PERHAPS because of the furore created by the rising cost of living there are, once again, growing calls by a slew of individuals and organisations for the nation to become a caring society. As it looks now it's every man for himself.
In the process the weak and vulnerable, the marginalised and disadvantaged groups and those who are less fortunate are cast aside to become outcasts of society being left to fend for themselves in a way that is disappointing to many of us caregivers.
Whatever has happened to the image of the caring, generous Malaysian? With the hike in the prices of goods and services in the country it looks as if there is no more care or concern for those who are in the lower segment of society now.
The pace of life in this country in keeping with the globalised environment has changed and it has become fiercely competitive. Hence the reason why the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming wider in this country.
If Malaysia is no longer a caring place for people that are weak and unable to compete, it is simply because the wealth derived from economic growth has not been equitably distributed and the government needs to create mechanisms to address this problem.
This is why if anyone cares enough to go about the length and breadth of the country to hear the problems, complaints and grievances of the people, there is that feeling that the government-of-the-day needs to do more to care for the welfare and well-being of the population.
It is really imperative that the government-of-the-day take the initiative to redress the imbalance issue of those who are down and out and ensure once again that the nation is on track to becoming a caring nation and not where apathy and indifference to the poor abound.
Christopher Fernandez
Kuala Lumpur
In the process the weak and vulnerable, the marginalised and disadvantaged groups and those who are less fortunate are cast aside to become outcasts of society being left to fend for themselves in a way that is disappointing to many of us caregivers.
Whatever has happened to the image of the caring, generous Malaysian? With the hike in the prices of goods and services in the country it looks as if there is no more care or concern for those who are in the lower segment of society now.
The pace of life in this country in keeping with the globalised environment has changed and it has become fiercely competitive. Hence the reason why the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming wider in this country.
If Malaysia is no longer a caring place for people that are weak and unable to compete, it is simply because the wealth derived from economic growth has not been equitably distributed and the government needs to create mechanisms to address this problem.
This is why if anyone cares enough to go about the length and breadth of the country to hear the problems, complaints and grievances of the people, there is that feeling that the government-of-the-day needs to do more to care for the welfare and well-being of the population.
It is really imperative that the government-of-the-day take the initiative to redress the imbalance issue of those who are down and out and ensure once again that the nation is on track to becoming a caring nation and not where apathy and indifference to the poor abound.
Christopher Fernandez
Kuala Lumpur