YOURSAY | Nation’s human spirit shines brighter than politics

YOURSAY | ‘This is before politicians divided us, religion separated us… and wealth classified us.’

Photo of woman sheltering senior citizen from heat melts hearts

Not Without Hope: Amid the unprecedented circumstances plaguing our citizens, it is extremely heartening and comforting to acknowledge that the indomitable strength of the human spirit reigns eternal.

A case in point was distinctly highlighted in the photo depicting a young Malay woman sheltering an elderly Indian woman from the hot sun without concern for her own self.

This is why, we should always stand proud yet humble as Malaysians, whatever the race or creed that we belong to. We must acknowledge that the values which we practice in the pursuit of our goals must nonetheless be tempered with compassion, human kindness, and dignity.

Ericomc: The woman in the photo holding a plastic file folder over the head of an elderly woman to shield her from the searing heat is exhibiting the human instinct of the golden rule: she is doing what she expects others will do to her own elderly mother.

She is an excellent example of one unadulterated and non-brainwashed person who selflessly values humanity over other prescribed beliefs. Many more of her will make our country a better place for everyone.

Anony Mas: I would like to extend my appreciation to the woman holding the file. However, I want to take the bank to task.

Why is an elderly person made to wait? Even supermarkets have a priority lane. I am 100 percent sure a politician (even a young one) will not be made to wait.

The social conscience of Malaysian companies is next to nothing. Shame on the bank.

Very Concerned Citizen: This country has always been blessed with many kind-hearted people.

By nature, most human beings will always be nice and polite but it is the politics of this country which has divided us, so much so that when such a kind gesture is done, we are always looking from an angle of race.

Even if someone of the same race helps someone, we should appreciate it because it is normal to help one another, especially if the person is a senior citizen.

I also think the management of any bank should come down from their “thrones” in their air-conditioned offices and see who is queuing outside in the hot sun. If there are elderly and disabled customers in the line outside, they should ask them to come inside.

Fair Minded Senior Citizen: This is an act of selflessness. One human being to another. Do not read anything else in this. It’s a natural reaction.

Yes, the bank should have a seating area inside for senior citizens. Well, we can all learn and follow this example.

BrownKijang9729: Why can’t the banks prepare some shelter and chairs for the customers to sit while waiting for their turn?

I would really appreciate that and thank you to the woman holding the file.

2020: Indeed, senior and disabled citizens should have a priority lane and not be made to wait under the sun. Bless the woman for going the extra mile.

OrangePanther1466: Politics aside, Malaysians are a selfless and caring lot. Kudos to the woman for providing shelter.

On a related matter, perhaps the bank should consider erecting a shade for the customers' convenience.

Two Come Out: Some Maybanks do have a priority queue for warga emas (senior citizen).

Fuminghot: This is the Malaysia I grew up in. In the 1950s, 60s, and even the 70s, it was still fine.

Then New Malaysia slowly seeped in when a certain group's mentality changed for the worse and this affected everyone. Sigh.

Anak JB: This is the beautiful Malaysia that I know can exist and what we yearn for until the politicians disconnected us, religion separated us, politics divided us, and wealth classified us.

Olxrev: See? This is the kind of person we want in our government. One who does not care about race, religion, or background.

It’s all about caring for one another. At the end of the day, we are all humans.

B Lee: This is really muhibbah (harmony). It is so heart-warming to see this photo where the kind woman does not see any colour differences in front of her.

In actual fact, all Malaysians are kind, warm, and loving people, it’s the politicians that are fanning the racial card for their own benefit.

Greensleeves0822: Yes, this is the Malaysia we have envisioned throughout the years since gaining Independence.

Thank God, we still have rakyat who don't discriminate. All for one and one for all.

Hrrmph: Most Malaysians are kind-hearted people until someone plays around with their insecurities.

It is really unfortunate that those with access to loudhailers are mostly greedy, unscrupulous persons, who are only interested in maintaining their own power.

Anonymous 79: Malaysians actually love one another. Only certain parties want us to hate the ‘others’ for their own agenda.

That's why until now, we are still underdeveloped and not as united as before. It’s so sad and what a shame.

Doc: Like I tell everyone, Malaysians are not racist. The only bigots are our politicians who use race and religion to gain support.

Philmond: Yes, I've always believed that the average Malaysian is a decent and good human being. Politicians, however, are a whole different creature.

Jack Sparrow: A simple act indeed, but it carries some very deep messages. 

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