Saturday, January 08, 2005

The Ugly Malaysian

My younger sister is a newspaper journalist..

She was all outraged the other day that a lot of the things that had been donated by some Malaysians to the Tsunami victims were totally useless and inappropriate things like Trophies and broken down electrical appliances. Even torn and stained undergarments were tossed in. The Red Cross had to toss 40% of whatever was contributed because it was crap! The article mentioned that it was as if Malaysians were doing SPRING CLEANING in the name of charity.

That is by no means a representation of the majority of Malaysians, who are generally generous and compassionate, but it is disheartening to know that there is that small minority that taints our reputation.

I know that if one wants to help and that is all that one can contribute, that's really wonderful but still??

4 comments:

Janet said...

A teacher at my school suggested donating notebooks and pencils, things like that. That's a good idea...like a year from now. Right now the priority has to be things like food, clothing, shelter and MONEY.

problogger said...

Sigh, Malaysians are not yet as civic minded as the Japanese.

Desmond Goh said...

I read this one. But I think only a handful of people do this. You know the type who jump Qs and torture their maids. The majority like me and you we are ok and we don't like to be lumped in and be accused.

Animesh said...

Hmmm.
Well, it's not just Malaysians. Stupid people exist in all countries. Mine included. Here, traders are actually getting hold of the free food supplies meant for the Tsunami victims and selling them in the market!!!