‘No haggling’ sign is just for show

This is a letter to the editor which appeared in the Star of 29 March 2010.






AT about 10.30am on March 25, I was at the bus stop in front of IOI Mall in Puchong. I wanted to go to Petaling Jaya and approached one of the three taxis there.

All the drivers demanded RM20 instead of using the meter although the “No haggling” sign was plastered at the side of their taxis.

I reminded them of the newspaper report that they must use the meter but they refused to budge.

One of the drivers admitted that they preferred to take passengers straight to Kuala Lumpur and even suggested that I wait by the road for other taxis.

After a few minutes, a taxi stopped and a passenger alighted.

I approached the driver but he too demanded RM20. When I protested, he drove off.

I finally managed to stop a taxi driver who agreed to use the meter. The fare came to RM11.30.

As far as taxis are concerned, people like me are usually at the losing end. Taxi drivers complain about not being able to make a living even though their rates have gone up.

They refuse to use the meter even during off-peak periods, and on rainy days many opt to stay home!

VICTIMISED,
Kuala Lumpur.

Books are considered luxury items

This letter to the editor appeared in the Sunday Star of 28 March 2010





I REFER to the letter “Read the signs on why we’re not reading” (The Star, March 26).

I can’t help but agree with the writer that books are considered luxury items in Malaysia.

How many times have you gone into a bookstore to see the “Sale” sign everywhere and come out disappointed because it meant a markdown of RM5 from the original price of RM35.90?

When we compare the price of books overseas, the currency conversion may make it seem expensive but it is extremely affordable for someone living and earning their salary there.

When I was in Bangkok recently, I could find books which costs about RM15.

Our ministers have been talking about making Malaysia a reading nation ever since I was a toddler.

Now an adult, I only see book prices going higher and higher.

Are we expected to treat bookstores like libraries now?

And are libraries even accessible?

From what I know, even the small community library in Subang Jaya isn’t there to serve us with knowledge.

Honestly, before people in power go on babbling about how much we need to read, visit the bookstores in our country and tell us how on earth can we afford these books when they cost us half our grocery expenses at times.

JASMYIN TAY,

Subang Jaya.

It’s terribly lonely to be single

This letter to the editor appeared in the Star 26 March 2010.






I am wondering how single people, especially those in their 40s and 50s, cope with being single.

I am also single and we are the people who are not able to get married due to many reasons that are best known to ourselves.

My question is: If all women only seek the best men, where would all the second or third-rate men turn to if not prostitutes?

When age is catching up, people will come to a crossroads and make decisions for themselves.

I can’t blame the authorities for not legalising prostitution, given our Islamic culture.

But to be alone and to die in loneliness, I would rather have a brush with the authorities and meet my fate.

GRACIOUS,
Kuala Lumpur.

Stop using God’s name in vain

A letter to the Editor which appeared in the Star 22 March 2010








I REFER to the letter “Gay lifestyle not welcome in our society” (The Star, March 22).

The writer sure has some issues about those who embrace the “alternative” lifestyle.

I do agree that in this day and age, the marriage institution is not what it used to be, but that doesn’t mean that all broken homes produce perverse people! Materialistic? Well, that depends on the individuals.

And please, stop using God’s name in vain.

I’ve had it up to here with those who use God’s name to abuse and seduce innocents, young and old and sadistically torture living things (read animals and humans), not forgetting those who love ramming down our throat anything to do with religion.

I have great friends who are gay and believe me, they love you and treat you with more respect than most of the God-fearing souls I’ve met in my journey through life.

A MALAYSIAN MUSLIMAH,

Cheras.

Gay lifestyle not welcome in our society

A letter to the editor which appeared in the Star 22 March 2010






I REFER to “Show sympathy for gays and lesbians and update the law” (The Star, March 20). Whatever the causes, homosexuality is a perversion that cannot be accepted in any moral, God-fearing society as normal behaviour.

It is true, in Western society homosexuals have become a force to be reckoned with, to the point that people openly flaunt such sexual orientation. This is not an indication that these societies are evolving. On the contrary, it is a sign of Western decadence in a godless society.

The flawed Kinsey Report, broken families and a growing materialistic population have all helped nurture this perverse lifestyle.

WG,
Kuala Lumpur.

Show sympathy for gays and lesbians and update the law

A letter to the editor which appeared in the Star 20 March 2010






IT certainly projects a less than desirable image for Penang to become a hub for commercial gay sex services: “Police: Penang a gay sex services hub (The Star, March 15).

However, it was then reported that such gay sex activities at health clubs in Penang seem to have ceased following the recent police crackdown: “Cops to continue monitoring organisers of illicit gay activities” (The Star, March 19). The two news reports are conflicting.

Society seems to have misunderstood many issues pertaining to gay activities.

Lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transvestites are often targets of prejudice and ridicule. Growing conservatism will make this minority group fearful and remain largely underground.

It is about time that issues such as homosexuality, transsexuality, bisexuality and HIV be openly discussed with proper guidance.

We already have a draconian law in section 377 of the Penal Code which criminalises homosexual activities. Having such laws will do little in preventing HIV infections.

This ancient law may have been enacted as a discrimination against same-sex encounters. We must evolve to become a society where people must not discriminate against lesbians, bisexual, gays and transsexuals.

Their rights must be upheld and respected. We must be sensitive to their needs. Maybe repealing section 377 of the Penal Code could be the first small step.

NG SHU TSUNG,

Kuala Lumpur.