Are Malaysians Civic Minded?

~When someone is civic minded means that he/she is concerned with civic interests or active in community affairs~

In my opinion, the answer is no. This is best described by the sad conditions of our public facilities. Telephone booths are vandalized, funky smelling toilets, chewing gum spit on busses and the list goes on. After achieving 50 years of independence, our community still has not learned civic mindedness.

I happen to work for a big multinational company whereby employees working in the office have at least diploma/degree qualifications. I would consider them as highly educated and thus civic minded. However, it’s really sad that this is not the case. People still choose to flush their sanitary napkins down the toilet even if there is a sanitary bin located just right next to them in that very same toilet cubicle. What I find really funny is there are people who choose to squat on toilet seats and leave dusty footprints behind for the next user!

Another repulsive act commonly known among Malaysians is spitting. It’s a common sight to see motorist spitting phlegm while riding on their vehicle. The selfish act is disgusting and also endangers whoever which is unlucky enough to pass by.

Littering is also a common habit among Malaysians (proven by the massive amounts of rubbish in the streets). It’s no wonder how aluminum can collectors could survive just by picking cans from the streets. I’ve seen my share of educated people who will not think twice about throwing rubbish on the floor. It’s really sad to see the community this way. How can we move forward to the next step and promote recycling awareness, when the community doesn’t even know that they are supposed to throw rubbish into dustbins?

Malaysians still have a long way to go to attain civic mindedness. Until that day arrives, I think it’s pointless for the government to invest in public facilities for the community as they simply do not appreciate them.