Third World mentality remains

The letter to the editor which appeared in the Star today highlighted all the ills of Malaysian society in its pursuit to be a developed nation. The gist of it is our mentality and attitude has not kept pace with the rapid physical progress equated with the numerous infrastructure projects and behemoth buildings that is evident in our country.

One of his examples in the letter strike a familiar chord, the illegal posters and buntings seen on almost any surface available in our vicinity. The million ringgit question would be why hasn't the local authorities fined anyone or any company involved in this activity? Or have we missed the news.

The other point which will always have a place in our hall of shame would be our dirty public toilets. We might have sparkling clean toilets at home but it will be a different experience altogether when one tries to find and use a public toilet. The writer feels that we are so used to such conditions that they do not make such a big deal any more and there is no point in complaining when it is the norm.

It is time all of us make a fuss and demand higher standards in everything that concerns us and that means putting our foot down when we find for example a dirty public toilet. One advantage of the Internet age would be the faster dissemination of information regarding issues dear to us. We could at least warn others that a certain place is not up to standards when it comes to its public toilets. Facebook, Twitter or any other social media tools come in handy when spreading the news either bad or good. Photographic evidence will also help to alert the authorities that a certain outlet has flaunted the law in regards to cleanliness.

If the culprit is still not reprimanded,issued a summons or fined, then it would confirm our doubts on the effectiveness of our enforcement agencies. They have the power to take action against the offenders when there is evidence. The laws are there and the public in this instance are willing to help by giving proof. The beauty of the modern connected world is we can help the authorities nab the offenders but the final nail has to be hammered in by the authorities.

Image from theborneopost