As regular folks, have you ever experienced or seen someone with a title treating common people disrespectfully? Has a Datuk or a Datin looked down upon you until they found out you were someone?
That’s sadly quite the case in Malaysia and it happens to politicians too!
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan recently took to his Twitter account to recall how he had just met a Dato who treated him condescendingly until he found out that Syahredzan was an MP.
He wrote, “Yesterday, I was introduced to some Dato. At first, he looked at me patronisingly and barely acknowledged me. When he was told that I am an MP, his demeanour instantly changed and his smile got bigger.”
“(He) probably thought I am an intern or assistant (not that there’s anything wrong with being those), and in his mind, not worth his time. It’s quite sickening actually.”
Many, including Bukit Bendera MP and Seri Delima ADUN Syerleena Abdul Rashid, pointed out that people with titles in Malaysia are often times only friendly with others with titles as well.
“It’s normal la for humans to always only see position and ranks. Why can’t people just be nice to everyone, no matter what, kan?”
And true enough, it really doesn’t cost anything to just be nice to everyone no matter their status or place in society. Let’s all make a pact to not be like that Dato, okay?
Have you ever had a similar experience? Do feel free to share in the comment section.
Also read: M’sian Pharmacist Resigns After KKM Downgraded Her Grade For Her Posting in Sabah
