THE year 2021 is finally upon us. As we wish for a much kinder 365 days ahead, we must remember that some things are beyond our control.
Global pandemics and natural disasters spring to mind, and we pray to a higher power to protect us from these. Yet, there are many things that we can control.
Our actions, directly or indirectly, lead to consequences that we can determine. Our actions can affect not just us, but all those around us and society at large. How we treat ourselves, fellow humans, animals and the environment can have a great impact.
Thanks to Covid-19, some people, Malaysians included, may have lost some values, like being courteous to one another, respecting other people, tolerance and honesty — in short, the simple appreciation of the difference between right and wrong.
Why are there often complaints about rude language on social media, fake news and the "not give a tinker's damn" attitude regarding standard operating procedures in the new normal?
Teachers and parents don't seem to get the same respect our parents and grandparents had for theirs when they were children. Likewise for respect for the environment — do we really want to protect the environment, as many are wont to claim?
Explain, then, the frequent disruptions to water supply in the Klang Valley that had us cursing the authorities. People have the right to be outraged, but is everyone doing his bit to keep our rivers clean?
That our rivers are polluted says we are not. Yes, the pollution that forced the closure of water treatment plants was the work of only a certain number of culprits.
However, have we been doing our best to keep the environment, rivers or otherwise, clean? Every bit of littering — let's be honest, almost all of us do it — is an affront to the environment.
There are other issues as well, such as the continuing corruption in government agencies. The meat cartel scandal is only the latest case and that, it is believed, has been going on for 40 years. Again, we cry foul when we hear of government servants taking bribes and, again, we are right to do so.
But it takes two to tango. As much as we blame corrupt officials, we must also blame the bribe-givers. And how many of us are guilty of doing it, even if it is just RM10 duit kopi?
So, while we wish for a better year, and look forward to improved maintenance and management culture, Covid-19 vaccines, a stronger economy, more job opportunities and politicians who focus on the wellbeing of the people instead of power and positions, let us remember one thing — we can make a difference.
If we all do our part and play our roles responsibly, the result, when taken as a whole, will be good for all of us. We may be individuals in our own right, but together, we are one nation. Happy New Year, Malaysia.