BY: LEANNE K

In an increasingly materialistic and monetary world, many people, especially the young, respect people for all the wrong reasons and this worrying trend in our society causes absolute injustice suffered by those who need to be respected.

If need be, it is high time to ensure that Malaysians do not fall prey to shallow thinking and be swayed and overcome by the externalities by which people are judged but rather by hard work, industry and integrity and honesty.

It is sad to witness nowadays that most Malaysians fall for “the trappings of success,” by showing respect to the wealthy and powerful, their luxurious and lavish living, and use it as a yardstick or role model for themselves.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with being powerful, rich and famous, what is more important is for people to question how these so-called successful people came to be and many of these have skeletons in their closets.

Does this surprise you? It shouldn’t. If you are shocked and astounded by the revelations of scandal after scandal by the elite in this country it is most likely because you are naive and unsuspecting, however, the truth has a way of coming out.

This brings us the question to whom Malaysians should actually respect? The suggestion offered is simply to show full respect and complete admiration to those who have earned respect by means fair and not foul.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher