A courteous S'pore may be a long way off

I am inclined to agree with Mr Peter Khaw (Simple courtesy still lacking in Singapore; March 29).

I, too, have faced people who avoid eye contact and go about their business as though others do not exist.

There are many reasons for the lack of courtesy. They include poor upbringing, and lack of guidance in schools.

I wish that being courteous will one day become second nature to all Singaporeans.

However, I do recall then Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew being quoted as saying that attaining a gracious society will take a long time (A gracious Singapore? Not in my lifetime: MM; Jan 9, 2008).

Therefore, I fear that a courteous Singapore may be a long way off.

A.J. Ramachandran

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