OF late, we have been reading and hearing about many unhealthy activities in our neighbourhood. There are many factors contributing to these, among them the social and economic pursuits of the people.

In the rush for material wealth, we have, in a way, forgotten our social obligations to the nation.

The people, no matter of what ethnic background, are more concerned with their own lives and have little concern for the people around them and in the process, national unity takes a back seat.

Thirty years ago, when I had just turned 18, I remember going on night patrols in a Malay village in Taiping. Although I was the youngest and always the odd one out because I was only one of the few Indians in the area, I really enjoyed doing my duty with the other folk, who were mainly Malays.

At that time, we enjoyed our walks around the kampung and shared a lot of memories. There was no racial discrimination and everyone did his part for the neighbourhood. We blended well and enjoyed every minute of our patrols.

Nowadays, we seldom hear of the existence of Rukun Tetangga in kampungs and housing estates. Even if there are any, these schemes are considered redundant save for schemes as in Kampung Dew in Taiping where Rukun Tetangga is still very much alive despite the long-standing chairman being partially disabled.

To further enhance national unity and create more responsible citizens of this lovely country, the government should go all out to revitalise Rukun Tetangga schemes all over the country.

We do need a scheme for every housing estate. Zoning could be done and effective activities can be carried out. Here, we are not talking only about night patrolling, but also organising various activities to bring the rakyat closer.

With RT fully implemented and with the right people at the helm, I am sure that efforts by the government to create a united nation will be further enhanced. And, of course, the police force will have more hands to keep crime under control.

With the wide usage of handphones, people on patrol duties would be able to make quick contact with the police and action can be taken swiftly.

To consolidate peace and stability in the country we need unity. What better way than to bring back active Rukun Tetangga schemes.

A lot can be achieved through these schemes rather than by having dialogues and kenduris which merely see people congregating because of political or religious sentiments. The process to unity should be a continuous effort and no stone should be left unturned in achieving it.

JAYARAJ K.G.S. Sitiawan

Source: NST – August 6, 2008