I would like to refer to the above report which said that the majority of Indonesian spectators not only showed disrespect when the Malaysian anthem was played but also hurled abuse at Malaysian players. This is not a remote incident by some Indonesians (their number is unknown but seems to be significant) against Malaysians and Malaysia.
Previously there were unacceptable means of protest conducted by some Indonesians on the few and remote cases of the ill-treatment of Indonesian maids in Malaysia and another when a significant amount of Indonesians protested by accusing Malaysia of 'stealing'- as claimed by them - one of their songs.
In some of the above cases, the Indonesian higher authorities merely came up with statements that indicated these are the feelings of a minority of Indonesians. I do not remember any official apology from their side on these matters. I feel the Malaysian authorities should show our dissatisfaction on a more firmer and official note.
Wisma Putra should summon the Indonesian ambassador and express Malaysia's and Malaysians' discontent on the events which have occurred in Indonesia and which tarnishes our image.
I have a feeling that some of the Indonesians are taking the Malaysian authorities for granted and they are getting much more aggressive and petty than before. If nothing is done by both countries, the frequency and seriousness of such unpleasant incidents would escalate.
I feel Malaysia should not be too tolerant on this matter and it should, from now onwards, let the Indonesian government and its citizens know that Malaysia takes a serious view of such bahavior.
By the way, I am just wondering why some Indonesians feel angry that Malaysia allegedly copied an Indonesian song for our national anthem. Even if it is true, they should feel proud that their songs are recognised. However, these people are 'angry' as though they have lost part of their inheritance.
There are tens of thousands of Indonesian maids. Even though the Malaysian authorities are monitoring the safety and well-being of all these maids, it is unavoidable to have a few maid employers who are abusive and in some circumstances, inhuman.
The Malaysian government has, on its part, taken such employers to court and eventually acquired prison sentences for them. Can we say all drivers in our country are reckless just because there are about 20 fatal road accidents in Malaysia every day?
There are many instances where the maid is the guilty party. Their employers simply do not opt to change their bad maids due to long waiting period and additional cost (sometimes).
No one can deny that the Malaysian authorities have been giving the Indonesian workers some special privileges as compared to workers from other countries on Malaysian soil.
This could be due to Indonesia's close proximity to Malaysia and also due to the cultural and language ties between both the countries. A conservative estimate will definitely show that there are huge numbers of Indonesians in Malaysia.
Malaysia is providing valuable foreign exchange and employment to Indonesia and to its citizens. However, it looks as though this is not valued nor appreciated. Dissatisfied Indonesian citizens should go through the official channels to convey their grouses against Malaysia and Malaysians instead of taking part in protests, burning Malaysian flags and hurling abuse against Malaysians in sports and other events.
How long do they expect Malaysia to keep quiet on their negative actions against Malaysia and her citizens? We would be held to ransom if we do not take any counteractive measures. I would like to suggest that the Malaysian authorities have a balanced foreign work force instead of depending heavily on just one country