A Malaysian social activist is calling out a netizen for rudely demanding money from his non-governmental organisation (NGO) without offering an introduction or an explanation.
Taking to his Facebook page, Abbe Hae, the founder of Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan, emphasised the vital importance of basic etiquette.
He wrote:
“In life, you must have manners. It doesn’t matter how intelligent, attractive, or wealthy you are, even if you possess billions. If you lack manners, no one will respect you.
“When entering someone’s ‘home’, you must maintain decorum and not simply barge in.”
A sense of entitlement
In a shared conversation between the netizen and an NGO administrator, the individual requested RM200 without any context. The administrator politely clarified that the NGO, which focuses on supporting the homeless community, does not provide direct monetary aid.
The netizen then questioned the administrator regarding the funds given to the homeless and asked if they would be required to “film content” for the NGO in exchange for assistance.
The administrator countered by pointing out that the netizen had failed to introduce themselves or justify their need for the money, explaining that the NGO cannot simply distribute funds to anyone who asks.
Selective aid and raising awareness
Abbe elaborated that he only assists those who meet specific criteria and noted that the content created by his NGO is intended to raise social awareness, not for exploitation.
“I never get angry at people for seeking help. However, I have specific criteria and terms for providing aid. Just because someone asks for help does not mean I am obligated to provide it,” Abbe stated.
“I help where I can. If there are other channels available, people should pursue those. Do not simply expect me to provide.”
He added, “The stories I share on social media are not just ‘content’ for profit or fame. They are lessons for us all. If we cannot learn from our own experiences, we should at least learn from the experiences of others.”
Abbe concluded his post by revealing that the administrator had asked him if her firm response was too rude. He reassured her that her reply was entirely appropriate given the circumstances.
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