By Pok-Kam
Reading this
article jogged memories about a not too distant past when at that time, I was still utilizing the public transportation on daily basis as my main mode of transport. Since they are more accessible and convenient, mini bus services naturally were the suitable choice. They were definitely much cheaper than taxis.
Upon reflection however, I can't really say I have that many fond memories about that past. More often than not, they were filled with feeling of disgusts which I shall explain why.
I really disliked most of them mainly for their inconsiderate behavior to other road users. For example, they would simply stop their vehicles at their whims and fancies to pick or to disembark passengers.
I disliked them for causing unnecessary daily traffic congestion especially at bus-stops vicinities as they would refuse, even though the many pleas made from earlier seated passengers, to depart unless their buses are at least half full. They couldn't care less if you're pressed for time. The ruffian looking individuals they called 'conductors' would simply tell you off saying "naik teksi kalau mau cepat".
I disliked it when they have those large speakers and played those awful slow-rock or techno songs at ear-shattering decibels. I had more than once been unlucky to be seated above large speakers located directly beneath my seat. Berdengung buntut dibuatnya.
I disliked them for their bad mannerisms and awful driving. I was really terrified to the ala F-1 racing style they would employ to outrun their other competitors who happened to be nearby. Takut tidak cukup hasil konon.
Then sometimes on those special rare occasions, I would secretly and wickedly snigger when they made that futile cat and mouse game with the traffic police and failed and finally kena saman. Padan muka!
Strangely though, no one really realize when did all of a sudden these mini bus operators finally won and had their ways. It came to a point that no one could argue with them anymore. The public simply got fed up complaining and just go on tolerating their behavior. They were afraid of no one except the CVLB or JPJ and ahem the traffic policemen of course.
And now when they do their crying babies act at the authorities, do I need to have any feeling of sympathy for them at all? Why should I? However, I realized that they are also fellow human beings too. Not all of them are as bad as what I have described but they are the minority. Understandably they all have to cari makan juga. Make no mistake however, they really need to pull their socks high up to their knees and make big effort to improve themselves if they are to earn respect or sympathy. They are in the service industries for crying out loud.
Otherwise I will just continue to say it again and again - PADAN MUKA.
