Starving Malaysians spoil festive treat for foreigners
*fairplay*
Local folk rush for food at a museum open house, prompting
some overseas visitors to leave without tasting
KUALA LUMPUR -- A Hari Raya reception arranged specially for
foreign tourists turned "ugly" yesterday when Malaysians
scrambled for delicacies provided for the foreigners.
The rush for food at the Hari Raya open house at National
Museum here prompted some tourists to leave the place
without even tasting the dishes, including dodol, rendang
and cookies.
The gluttons appeared to be visitors to the museum, where
there was a huge banner inviting tourists to the special
event. However, the banner did not state whether it was for
local or foreign tourists.
The reception was organised by the Kuala Lumpur Tourist
Association (KLTA) and supported by the Ministry of Culture,
Arts and Tourism.
KLTA chairman Jamaliah Aris told reporters she was saddened
by the incident, saying Malaysians should be more tactful
and courteous.
She said the annual event, held for the sixth time, was to
make tourists' visit more meaningful.
It was held previously at selected homes.
"We have to review the situation and maybe we have to go
back to the old system of having it at selected homes rather
than in a public place," she said.
Similar behaviour was seen on the first day of Hari Raya on
Tuesday at "open-house" parties thrown by Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his newly-appointed
deputy, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, which attracted
almost 40,000 members of the public.
"I've never seen such disgusting behaviour," said a Muslim
preacher who attended Datuk Abdullah's reception,
complaining that his daughter fell on the floor littered
with chicken bones, spilt drinks and napkins.
At the museum open house yesterday, Czech tourist Ivo
Vasiljev said he was disappointed with the incident and the
way the event was organised. "I am here to express my
respect for the Malaysians and to learn about their culture.
But I was not given the opportunity," he said. -- Bernama,
AFP...