Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this

I am a new Malaysian expatriate in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a high expectation on our diplomatic staff in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My previous experiences in other countries when dealing with our embassy and consulate staff were mixed but it was nothing like in the UAE.

The unfriendly attitude of the staff of Malaysian nationals towards fellow Malaysians is something to be checked with empathy by the Foreign Ministry. It is shocking that though diplomats are being paid by rakyat, they are behaving just like rotten Umno politicians by classifying Malaysians in UAE as 'our camp' and 'others'.

The current debate at this forum show how deep are the chasms between the reclusive diplomats and the other Malaysian expatriates who do not belong to the so-called 'our camp'. Not only are those who are assumed to be not in 'our camp' being ignored as non-persona grata and not invited to official functions (funded by government), they also cannot be seen to together in any activities.

Is apartheid still alive and kicking in our own society? Are negative Malaysian values exported abroad? When some of us inquired about the pending return to KL of one senior trade diplomat in Dubai, the information was withheld without any explanation as if it was a 'secret mission'. The farewell function was held and invitations, as usual, were only for those in 'our camp'.

Some seniors here mentioned that most of the social and sport activities are organised by a group of Malaysian professionals without any contributions by our diplomats, either in personal or official capacities. I was also informed that even when invited as guests; these diplomats were directed to keep away from the activities of the 'others'.

With the ongoing 50 years independence celebration of our country, it is very sad that our diplomats here in UAE are still conditioned by Malaysia's political landscape. For God's sake, they are diplomats with certain roles, responsibilities and missions to play especially for all Malaysians living and working in the UAE. Please leave your political inclinations at home.

One of these diplomats dares to whisper that if they (the diplomats) do not take care of 'Malaysian oppositionists' here some rewards awaiting when they return to Malaysia such as job promotions and business deals will vanish. This is ridiculous, moronic and plain dumb.

The best is not only to replace these unworthy servants of the rakyat, but also to punish them by sending them to rural areas to serve.

ADS