By Yeap Ming Liong
A recent incident tugged at my heartstrings, while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.
PA luxury SUV in front of me had its windows down. Inside, I could see a young child, in my opinion barely five years old waving his hands. It soon became clear to me he was waving hello to his counterpart next to him riding pillion on a motorcycle. Clearly the act was reciprocated and the moment the lights turned green, both passenger kids were off on their way.
This brief encounter forged a friendship and unbreakable bond between the two. This only goes to show the purity, kindness and sincerity children have. They are not blinded by negativity, worldly desires, or by economic power. Sincerity was the only currency in play.
It occurred to me that, if everyone could emulate these two children, Malaysia and the world would be a better place. It would be naïve of me to say everything is rosy. It clearly is not. One does need to look far, just go on social media, to see the amount of hatred, negativity and downright awful comments floating around.
There is a clear dire decline in morals. This is not the Malaysia we knew, it is not the Malaysia that is and it will certainly not be tomorrow’s Malaysia. There will be instances where the spirit of harmony, peace and togetherness will be tested by selfish and irresponsible individuals, seeking to divide and disrupt.
Pay no attention and care to these quarters. Look to the sincerity and humility of others and just like in the case of the two children, it is a clarion call to remind everyone that the spirit of camaraderie is strong and alive within all Malaysians.
The year is drawing to a close and as we welcome 2025, let the spirit of togetherness which has seen us through thick and thin, continue to serve as a guiding light for the New Year and beyond.
