RECENTLY, I caught up for nearly two hours over lunch with renowned social activist, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, in Lucky Gardens, Bangsar, to discuss a host of issues on community service.
We both agreed that apathy, blatant disregard for the law and lack of basic civic mindedness is a worrying trend in Malaysia.
Lee says, “Looking at the state of civic consciousness in the country today. I can ascertain that there is apathy among large sections of the community. It’s everybody’s civic responsibility to improve the many public amenities that needs to be brought to the attention of the local authority concerned.”
“On many occasions, I have seen public amenities in a deplorable state like broken five-foot ways or missing covers for public drains,” lamented Lee.
I told Lee that I personally have made numerous complaints to KL City Hall (DBKL) regarding broken tiles on public walkways and other issues affecting Bangsar and parts of KL. In this respect, I must commend DBKL for immediately attending to these matters. I have also made numerous complaints to other local authorities all over the country on a host of issues.
The former MP further adds, “members of the public are just apathetic and do not want to bother when they could have exercised their civic responsibility to report such problems to the authority concerned for action.”
Lee’s spot on! But if there is any untoward incident because of this non-chalant attitude, all hell will break lose by “our so-called moral guardians’ of society.”
Some of Lee’s observations are the “disrespect for the law is on the decline such as beating traffic lights while on the road involving motorcyclists. Everyday many motorcyclists are seen not observing traffic signals, behaving as if no action can be taken against them.”
Again, I concur with the veteran social activist as I too have nearly been hit by food delivery riders at the traffic lights when I am about to cross the road in front of McDonalds and Maybank in Bangsar Baru.
Broken pavements along Lorong Ara Kiri, Lucky Gardens, Bangsar, KL.- June 18, 2025
Indifference for the rule of law and a disrespect for legislations, regulations and by-laws continue to be serious societal trepidations in Malaysia. Perhaps it could even lead to weakening of our social stability in our country.
“Those who park in No-parking areas in congested roads also do not bother because they are prepared to be summoned. They know they will be able to wait for the “discount” for settling their summons issued by the enforcement authorities” added the veteran social activist.
Observing the numerous cars making an illegal U-turn daily at the traffic lights in front of Maybank in Bangsar Baru and at Lorong Maarof 3, Bangsar Park is most revolting.
Loss of trust and social disorder
Disregard in observing the law erodes public confidence in our institutions, as people may visualise the legal system as ineffective. Taking no notice of the law can lead to a breakdown of social order, eventually making it difficult for societies to function.
Lack of concern and paying no attention or completing ignoring the law can diminish the integrity of the institutions responsible for upholding it, making it harder to address complex challenges.
Injustice, inequality and safety risks
When the law is not enforced fairly to all citizens, it translates and exacerbates existing inequalities. It creates a situation where law-abiding citizens are treated unfairly.
Contravening the laws by some related to safety, like those protecting workers, can lead to dangerous situations with potentially fatal consequences.
Addressing these flaws requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
Encouraging civic education to help people know the significance of the law and its role for the good of the general public.
Preserving the legal system to be fair and consistent, with effective mechanisms to hold those who violating the law accountable.
Linking communities with law enforcement agencies and continuous evolving guidelines in ensuring laws and regulations reflects their needs of society.
Recognising and focussing on the reasons that contribute to apathy and disregard for the law.
Leaders at all levels must display a sense of responsibility in ensuring the laws, rules and regulations are adhered to.
Making civics a mandatory subject in schools, stressing among others, the importance of following the laws from littering, driving safely on the roads and highways and not damaging public property.
Dangerous and unclean public walkway in Jalan Medang Kapas, Bukit Bandaraya, KL. - June 18, 2025
Age has not mellowed Lee despite the fact he will be an octogenarian in less than two years. But once thing is certain - politics is no longer of interest to him. He prefers to focus completely on social issues. Looks like we are going to frequently hear from this energetic ex-MP for quite some time. Lee also pens his thoughts regularly in the local press.
Kudos to this legendary social activist for being such a public-spirited citizen and expressing his concerns on behalf of all Malaysians, given his age.
In fact, besides Lee, the only person I know who is such a public-spirited citizen is Mohd. Fahmil Kamal of Alam Flora. Fahmil does a tremendous job serving the residents of Bangsar. Just inform him about a problem and hope he solves it within a few hours.
Sometimes, he is so proactive that on his instructions, Alam Flora staff undertake tasks which are outside their purview.
How I wish we had more Malaysians like Lee and Fahmil! Malaysia would be a much better society today if we had more public-spirited citizens like them. They have proved no task is a barrier for any citizen so as long as it benefits society - a rare trait in society these days.
I draw my inspiration from these stalwarts whenever I carry out my community service.
Winston Churchill once remarked, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
Lee and I agreed to meet again in the near future for lunch to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Benedict Lopez is a reader of The Vibes
