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June 21, 2006

Rude Kuala Lumpur and thank you Malaysia

Well, another survey has been done and it is out again, once again! Kuala Lumpur emerged the third-worst in the world for sheer rudeness, according to a Reader’s Digest survey.

Sure, the methodology is flawed. According to Reader's Digest, three tests were employed: Dropping papers in a busy street to see if anyone would help; checking how often shop assistants said "thank you"; and counting how often someone held a door open.

They could have asked me and I could tell them plenty of stories - from all across the world. About Hong Kong's tunraround, or my findings of a rude Malaysian jumping queue or those that behave rudely as interviewers.

But then, I have plenty of good experience of great Malaysians - those that helped my mum during our recent holidays by opening doors, saying thank you, inquiring about her well-being in this country.

She left Malaysia yesterday - and besides a little shock (a different story to be told this weekend!), she had a great time.

And hey - I wouldn't be here when I wouldn't love Malaysia. Every place has its pro and cons, and it depends on your experience and HOW you want to see little events that make up your experience. So - a traffic jam can be annoying and drives me up the wall, or is a test for my patience or part of a great adventure called "adventure tourism in Malaysia" (How is that?). And sometimes, often, I find great experiences and surprises as well (see the WoW category for more :))











Posted by Andreas at June 21, 2006 05:30 PM

Comments

Nizar,

Talking about generalizations, have you ever BEEN in New York, even?

I studied in Pittsburgh and frequented there often during my college years. True, the social interactions are less restricted there, but free sex? You watch too much TV, dude. But then again, is KL any different, nowadays?

Differences of culture is to be appreciated, not labeled and feared. Understanding it brings you closer to understanding yourself. :-)

Posted by: maximus at July 22, 2006 11:22 AM

Comparing apples and durians....

Typical Malaysians will say sorry when they hit each other's shoulder... both parties will say sorry!

Posted by: Wan at June 23, 2006 09:21 AM

Well, I guess that's because she's a foreigner. I remember experiencing bad service by this fella in a restaurant but he treated this foreigner at the next table so nice. Never went back there again.

Posted by: S-Kay at June 22, 2006 01:25 PM

If I were to use an Eastern yardstick to judge New York... the way ppl dress, the free-sex... number of bastards on the streets... I think it would be the worst city in the world!

It's pretty stupid to generalize and judge other nation by using a particular authentic culture. Plus, we have many non-local ppl working here bringing with them their own cultures.

Posted by: Nizar at June 22, 2006 01:16 PM

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