FARAH SOLHI
KUALA LUMPUR: Though 2021 was beset by disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic and massive floods that wreaked havoc on several states, it also saw volunteerism come to the fore.
In the face of hardship, Malaysians rallied to those in need without waiting for the authorities. Movements such as the #benderaputih initiative, which galvanised people to help those who couldn't make ends meet during the Movement Control Order, as well as scores of volunteers rolling up their sleeves to help flood victims, underscored the ability and willingness of people to help each other.
Associate Professor Dr Mohd Awang Idris said empathy and the willingness to act when a person was in need was a trait common among Malaysians.
He believed that the empathy that ran through Malaysian society was the product of a collective culture inherited from previous generations.
Awang, who is with Universiti Malaya's Department of Anthropology and Sociology, said helping one another had always been embedded in one's life when coexisting under this culture.
"Most Asian countries inherited this collective culture, where the people emphasise the sense of belonging to a group.
"One of the important elements worth noting is reciprocality, which means that a person, living under a collective culture, would help another person in need, as an automatic response.
"What moved Malaysians to help flood victims recently was probably due to the 'contagious effect' that transmitted within our people," he said.
The contagious effect, he said, is a psychological response of imitating another person's behaviour when influenced by mutual emotions.
"It's part of the psychological reaction of togetherness, such as when one sees a person help the victims, they too are moved to do the same as they are bound by the same emotions, which is empathy and love.
"This is the uniqueness of Malaysia and its people, as we are all bound by this reaction.
"More often than not, we find it hard to allow Malaysians to be in agony. So, we'd help as much as we could, which inspires others."
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the authorities could do worse than emulate the example set by the people during trying times.
"I find that Malaysians would always be the first to take care of one another and outdo the government when disaster strikes.
"I'm not denying that the government also does its part but looking at the recent disaster, they can learn a thing or two from the volunteerism shown by the people," he said.
Lee said the quick response by Malaysians demonstrated the level of compassion Malaysians have for others in need.
"These volunteers are moved by the victims' suffering and without hesitation, they would find ways and means to help.
"They are not being told to help but instead, they did it out of the goodness of their hearts. It has been proven, time and again, that Malaysians are generous."
Lee, who is also Alliance for Safe Community chairman, hoped that while there were imperfections, the spirit of volunteerism would be developed and nurtured.
"This spirit of volunteerism must continue to be fostered, especially when we know that we cannot be dependent on the current government.
"I'd say this is the true spirit of 'Keluarga Malaysia' and the person who initiated this concept could learn a thing or two from the volunteers," he said.
Lee hoped that the younger generation would continue to embrace volunteerism.
"It is crucial for them to keep this spirit alive as the young will inherit the country.
"I hope they will continue to learn to put aside their differences and come together when in need," he said.