We used to pride ourselves of being in a wonderful country with warm and friendly citizens of multi-ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Our forefathers will be turning in their graves if they could see what is happening today.
I feel very upset that places of worship have become a target of some uncivilized people that we have in our society. And it is very upsetting that these handful of irresponsible ones do not care if they are giving others a bad name too. Let it be known that the actions of these fools do not represent the majority of Muslims in our country. Some people just get carried away and try to go the the extreme to make a point.
I've lived a good 40 years to say that I miss those beautiful days when we mixed so closely with one another. The Chinese 'beca' man who parked his vehicle next to the Indian uncle selling 'kacang puteh' who happily packed kacang for the Malay pakcik. I was very young then, but I remember these type of scenes that were so often noticeable everywhere - Chinese, Indians, Malays and other communities intermingling with each other so freely and comfortably.
A whole lot of people may disagree with me, but I blame modern technology for most of the bad things that are going on today. Of course we need internets, handphones and such, which are a blessing to us especially in the fields of communication, business and knowledge. But I realize that this is also the most convenient way of spreading rumours, gossips and everything negative.
Take Facebook for instance. It is sometimes so heartbreaking to see the way some blurt out comments without giving two-hoot as to whether their so-called two-cent worth of wisdom is going to hurt or anger the feelings of others or ignite undue tension.
While it may take just one dumb and insensitive character to write out something untruthful and negative, a hundred other dummies would sadistically take the cue without the slightest conscience and add their own damaging, malicious comments, knowing very well that this FB facility is an open-forum and their comments would reach people who may be hurt by those comments.
Today's generation seems obsessed to hurt and cause concern, primarily those in their mid 20s or early 30s. When there's so much to do in life, I'm amazed at how they are able to find time to paste condemning articles on politics, religion, race and a whole range of subjects that can cause disruption, grief and misery to the daily routine of an average Malaysian. Is it their insecurity, inferiority complex, environment and the company they associate themselves with? Or can it be their family upbringing?
If their intent is to win popular support through the pages of this much respected social network, then they must be reminded that they are off-track by a wide mile. The Facebook is a medium for healthy sharing among friends and not a platform for those with evil intentions, mudslinging and character assassination.
Sure, we are all entitled to our opinions about anything and everything. Gossiping about these in the company of your family or friends over teh tarik or vodca is acceptable. But publicly? C'mmon Malaysians.
Take a second to reflect that if this beautiful country goes into the slums, we are doomed! All of us. Even the smart 'Joes' who go around poisoning everybody's mind on public forums. Undeniably, it would not be a pleasant situation at all. It is utmost inequitable for the senior citizens who have lived peacefully in the past, to experience all these at this point of their life. We owe them that much.
As civilized citizens, let's appreciate the peace and tranquility that we were fortunate to be blessed with for the last 50 years and do our part in ensuring that it continues - if not for us, then do it for our children and their children.
