THE behaviour of RTD officers during driver’s test sessions has long been a problem with new driving students.

Before I went for my test, I shrugged off the allegations of my peers that RTD officers were bullies. But my experience on test day proved that their accusations were not false.

The officers on duty treated all the candidates rudely, especially the younger crowd. They don’t reply to your greeting and have strict

expressions on their faces. Although this could be regarded as protocol, hadn’t the government been trying to improve public services and stressing the importance of budi bahasa (courtesy)?

My experience at the test centre in Segambut was horrible. Candidates were treated and talked to as if they were less than human. Officers would give out commands loudly and rudely. There was an incident where a candidate who didn’t reply quickly enough when called for the On the Road test was scolded. The JPJ officer even threatened to fail her if she didn’t get in the car quickly.

When I had the unfortunate luck of turning into the wrong lane during my test, the tester called me bodoh (stupid) and even went so far as to use a racially condescending tone. This ordeal mortified me and as a result I failed to pass the Slope, Parking and Three-Point-Turn test when I got back on the circuit.

I thankfully passed on a second attempt. However, when I went over to an RTD officer to sign some papers, he threw the pen and my IC at the other end of the table and instructed me to stand at a distance from him. Candidates are powerless and subject to the mercy of RTD officers once they enter the test centre. We have no choice but to allow ourselves to be humiliated to “improve” our chances of passing the On the Road test.

I write not because I want to humiliate the RTD but because I believe it is the right of every Malaysian to be treated with dignity. The behaviour of the officers was clearly an abuse of power. I would like to point out though that there were officers who were kind and professional.

I hope against hope that effort will be made to ensure that RTD officers discharge their duties in a professional manner. Have them attend Moral Education classes and teach them not to abuse their powers. Educate them on respecting other human beings.

Chester Chin
via email

Source: The Sun – May 15, 2008