Owh dear Malaysians, what have we become?

Recently, we witnessed the outrage against the infamous Sharifah Zohra, whilst the famous Ms Bavani became a somewhat national hero.

I never for a minute condone to this act by Sharifah Zohra. It was undoubtedly very rude. But the reaction showed by fellow Malaysians regarding this event was even more upsetting. Not only did the audience in the hall clapped and cheered for her made us feel sick to our stomach, but I myself felt sick reading people's spiteful comments towards the woman. Yes, what she did was wrong, but  it's even worse to watch the rest of the nation stoop down to her level. 

For our dear Bavani, yes, she gave out all the facts, but I'm sorry to say the way she conveyed her message was a bit too over the top. Yes, freedom of speech is what we're fighting for in this country. But I think, there is a better way to convey a message than how Bavani did. 

Our country is going through major changes in terms of politics and social. We want this and that, asking for all sorts of things. But we as Malaysians, what have we done for the country so far? Does that question ever come across our minds? Nowadays, everything that happens in Malaysia is somehow related to politics. literally, EVERYTHING. Malaysians are segregated by which political party they support for the upcoming general election. Sometimes, I wonder, when willl we ever stop pointing fingers to the government, and admit that certain things are our fault? 

I raised this question to my friends: "I don't understand how some of my patients can't speak English and Malay". And a few of them answered : blame the education. 

FYI, the government does not shape the upbringing of our young generation. It comes mainly from your own parents, how they shape you and how they raise you. Kids only spend about 7 hours in school from Mondays to Fridays. The rest of the time, they are under their parents' care.

How can you blame the education provided from the government when we actually learn English and Malay since the tender age of 6? Even kindergartens teach the kids in English!

So, dear Malaysians, when will ever look at ourselves and say, "hey, it's my fault my kid can't speak English. coz we don't speak that language at home".

My parents insisted on having my primary and secondary education in Subang Jaya, eventhough we live in Shah Alam. Why? Because they wanted me to be able to mix with all races and at the same time be in a healthy, competitive academic environment. And of course, a better chance to learn and speak English amongst my friends. Not to say that I wouldn't get the same benefit in Shah Alam school, but gotta admit, 90% of the population there is my own race. At the same time, my parents never stopped preaching about the importance of speaking good English and how that skill can bring you far especially in your career. 

So, looking back, would I do the opposite of whatever my parents did? Hell no! and FYI, I had my primary and secondary education in public schools (only form 4 and 5 I was in KTJ). I turned out alright, didn't I? And so did all of my close friends and many others that I know! 

So dear friends, I know it's that time of the year when we get so passionate about the political parties we support and how we like to just point at the government "it's their fault we turned out like this!". Everytime I log into my Facebook, it's all about hating the government and supporting the opposition. I get it that everyone wants the opposition to rule. But, when did we ever take a second to think and be grateful for what our country has achieved since independence and how much it has developed? When did we ever think that Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is the least of our problem and there are more problems to be solved amongst us?

I think we Malaysians have a huge problem. The problem is RESPECT. I feel like many of us are harsh, ignorant and disrespectful. Well, this is what I noticed since working in a hospital. I deal with harsh patients and also colleagues. Not to mention, ON THE ROAD! So, when will we learn to screw this word "RESPECT" into our heads?