Dear Editor

Dear editor,
 
  In this multicultural country that we live in, one will most definitely encounter many facets of our colourful society. Be that as it may, I am not addressing this letter to you so as to rave about our cultural differences. Instead, I wish to highlight on a few 'unique' Malaysian behaviors that have been practically indoctrinated here. While many advertise our beloved country as the perfect tropical getaway, by highlighting mostly on the good aspects of Malaysians, we must acknowledge that there are still many social problems that have yet to be established as well as a few unacceptable behaviours that are portrayed by some Malaysians.
 
  One of the daily problems that I have encountered is the inability to obey the law when it comes to parking. Now, some may have to resort to illegal parking when they have no other choice, now although it is illegal, it can be acceptable if the driver parks his/her car in a fashion that does not disrupt traffic or causes any inconvenience to other road users. However, many cases of illegal parking i.e. especially double or triple parking, are mostly caused by the driver's inconsideration to others. For example, the roads outside most schools tend to get very congested when it is time for the students to be picked up. Normally, it is understandable if many parents come at once, however, the situation nowadays is that parents have become selfish, they are unwilling to drive a few inches in front so that they do not block the traffic, instead they want to be in front of the gate, going to the extent of double or triple parking just to be in front of the gate. This act of selfishness will be inculcated by their children, making this an endless cycle of selfish drivers who park where they want, when they want without considering others.
   
  Next, many Malaysians have no problem with littering even if the next dustbin is only a few steps away. This paints a very unsightly picture for the eyes of visitors. While a few locals do not mind the overwhelming stench of garbage as they are used to it, visitors from other countries, especially Europe where hygiene is of the utmost priority, will be appalled by the amount of rubbish littered on sidewalks and other public places, where uncleared produces a foul odour. Many Malaysians also have no issue with spitting. Perhaps it is acceptable to spit on dirt roads or the like, but I have personally seen, a bunch of youngsters spitting on the floor of a cafe in an established shopping mall. This crude behaviour is to a point, disgusting and should not be done in public places as it is also quite a self-centered behaviour.

   Furthermore, many youths today are quite self-centered. Just the other day, it was quite busy in the subway as I waited for my train. Many people were lining up to get onto the subway train when the person in front of me suddenly stopped to talk to her 'friend' causing the whole line to stop. When I tried to politely ask her and her friend to give way, they had the audacity to turn up their noses at me and continue talking in the middle of the road. As I was desperate to not miss the last train, I had to resort to 'inconspicuously' shove them aside, causing them to give me a dirty look, which I cared not about.

    These issues that I have highlighted are only the tip of the iceberg of rude behaviour in our country. As a fellow human, I am aware that it is imposibble for anyone to be perfect, this does not mean we have an excuse to be inconsiderate to others. I do not ask others so force themselves to be perfect, I merely request that we display a basic level of courtesy in our daily lives.