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July 6, 2004 I cannot help but recall back our good old traditional values which are fast diminishing, all in the name of the so called modern civilization. As a short summary, I would say that Malaysia’s cultural values derived from that of the multi racial communities of the malays, chinese, indians and other minorities races. She was also once under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British empires from which some descendants of these races still exist today as the result of the mixed marriages as between them and the local people. There were many good things that derived from its colorful mixed cultural values but these good traditions are slowly dying as the result of modernization which serves as a transgression to its social development. On the material aspect of looking at it, Malaysia has fast developed into modern nation with modernized infrastructures and urban lifestyle. Other nations cannot help but envy her vast progressed since she obtained her independent back in 1957 and she is still moving into the fast pace of modernization. However, there seemed to be a generation gap as between the older generation and the younger ones the result of which provides a decay in the local traditional values and practice. The so called modern civilization has not but brought about new sets of local customary practice in which is detrimental to the people’s interest. These developments over of the last forty years has left devastating impact on the people and in many aspect and serves as a declination of what used to be the good way of traditional life style. Back then, there were so many good values which were practiced as a way of life and provided that much needed social glue to its society through customary practiced and norms. In the old days, people were very religious and ones social standing in society depends on ones religious background and knowledge. Materialistic values stands on a lesser scale as one may be rich but commands lesser respect from the society then. In other words, you may be rich but still not respected unless you are knowledgeable in religion. Other than religious background, people have also the tendency to respect those who have strong attitudes in good etiquettes and moral judgments. Nowadays, it does not matter if you’re religious or have good manners. People are too often being judged on their monetary standing and will be much respected even if they’re lacking in terms of religious standing or mannerism. There was also a very strong social interaction and bonds where it matter most then. We have people looking after and visiting their relatives even if meant having to walk ten miles just for a visit or courtesy call. People from the better or well to do family would take in a less fortunate nephews or nieces and adopts them to help lessen their burdens. The common people were free to sleep and rest wherever they wish without being harassed or caught for trespassing. They could easily leave their homes unintended as there were no robberies or theft. People were also much friendlier then and in good spirit of community works and help one another during mishaps or social dilemmas. The elderly would command a high degree of respect from the younger generations. You don’t have many crimes as in the present day as the society would tend to care for one another. These are but the few examples of the good traditional values which are plagued by the modern needs. Compare all that ecstatically good values to the present day of the said modern civilization. You have higher crime rates such as rape, robberies, killings, corruptions etc. as the result of the personal desires and the ‘dog eats dog world’ dogmatism. Society is less caring to one another and has the tendency to be more of self conscious. There are no longer the needs or desire to care for their family and one often neglects the needs of their elderly ones. There are less charitable works and are often charged for any work being done. People have the tendency to be doubtful of sincere friendship as too often their trust being abused by malicious ulterior motives. Even many of the traditional building structures are fast diminishing and being replaced by tall sky scrappers. Most of these buildings and structures bore invaluable historical and traditional signatures, are ignorantly being disregarded and are easily being demolished to make way for sake of shopping malls and office buildings and complexes. It is most intriguing is that all these could have been easily been compromised and avoided as there are many other areas and lands suited for the newly intended buildings. So many attempts by individual, bodies, agencies and government ministries to curb or rectify these problems are more often motivated by personal interest or as propaganda to their political needs, gains and career advancement. Genuine attempts are often being sidelined or seldom being taken into consideration by people whom are very much lacking in the know how or having that indifferences in attitudes, being in charge to the social developments and in that position to help change these. These incompetence high ranking directors and officers are more concerned of their status quo, their name and ranks appearing on business cards, their appearance in their corporate attires, driving fancy cars, monthly salary at the end of the monthly calendar, attending meetings at luxurious hotels and all expenses paid for. They are not motivated by the desire to see changes for the better in the society in their respective departments and ministries. There must be a positive move by the government to generate more directors and officers who have the sincerity to work together with the people in promoting the good values and principles to be instilled within the society. Even though, these traditional and customary practices are still being observed by some households, the practice is slowly perishing with coming of the new age of younger generation which are more concerned with the so called modern way of living in which unjustifiable neglects the good traditional values. The discomforting thought is that this problem does not only exist in Malaysia but are phenomenally happening throughout the rest of the developing nations as the scale of urbanization are not properly being balance by the need of social moral and values. ------------ About the author: Alam Shah is an independent writer from Terengganu, Malaysia. Recent poetry works: all poems with allpoetry.com Email: alam32@myway.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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