My mind is always thinking. And it stores a lot of thoughts. And ideas. Thoughts and ideas that would make a good write up or a blog entry.
But when I do get my hands on the keyboard, those ideas and thoughts, don’t seem to be so appealing to write about anymore.
Sometimes, I want to talk about my disappointment with the third world civic conscious mentality and attitude that Malaysians have. One commando on a jungle trekking trip I went with my department about two weeks ago, casually and cynically described it well. “Littering are Malaysians’ national sport”.
Just take a good look around you, and you will see plastic bags, newspapers, food wrappers, tins, cups, broken glass, cigarette bud lying on the road side, in our drains, on our gardens. what makes things worse is the third world maintenance mentality of our local council, the business community, and larger community. When will people really learn that cleanliness begins with you.
That’s on the ground, but have you seen the state of some flats, apartments, and condos? Run down paint, moss and fungus covered walls. Broken road signs and pot holed roads. Cracked curbs, missing road lines and paint. Unattended landscaping. Overgrown lalang! God! It’s so depressing! How can anyone say Malaysia is really beautiful? I find Singapore the most beautifully planned and managed city state cum country in the world.
How about Malaysian’s attitude on the road. If there is one thing that I’d like to shout about is that for Malaysian’s to use the bloody signals! Why are there so many kiasu users drivers out there? Is it that difficult to signal when you want to overtake, or make a turn? Does it knock off a few points from your ego or your coolness level? I think its best that the government create the “Malaysian Institute of Civic Conscious and Good Manners”.
The lead project manager of my department said it very well and I quote him “Safety is a habit”. Putting it in this context, good manners and civic consciousness is a habit. Old and bad habits die hard. But it must start with the individual.
Parents are guilty for not only not teaching their children to be mindful of the environment, but they are horribly guilty for not preaching it. I’ve seen parents carrying their babies and bringing their children strolling in wearing nothing but designer clothes and strollers, only to see them litter their food wrapper on the grass! What do you think the child will do? Go figure. You don’t need a PhD in rocket science to know the consequences.
And the community, is equally guilty of not telling these people of their offense. This has alot to do with culture. Yes, its a part of Asian culture that you don’t directly confront someone. But this has to change for the better of our own environment. In this case, all I could do was just stay pissed. I didn’t know how to confront the parent.
Safety is a habit. Likewise, civic consciousness is a habit. If you continue to educate yourself and continue to be aware of your actions and what you do, it will become a habit.
If you are going to create a new habit, why not cultivate a good habit? Have a high degree of civic consciousness. Do yourself and the community that favour and start planting the seeds of positive civic consciousness. Everyone stands to benefit.
So the next time you decide to make that turn, use the signals, or if you decide to litter, please find the trash, and if you can’t find one…do what my mom and teacher taught me…hold on to it until you find one!
Iqbal
The Civic Conscious Citizen Activitst Wannabe