REPORTS about a group of foreigners who stripped naked and urinated on Mount Kinabalu have been on local media and social networking sites.
Their insensitive behaviour infuriated the locals, especially Kadazandusun elders, who regard the mountain as sacred ground.
Some have said the recent Sabah earthquake occurred because of the insulting behaviour of the group, which had sparked the anger of the mountain’s spirits and resulted in the loss of lives.
Before debating on whether such a view is that of superstition, what is worth our attention is the need to relook at the definition of “freedom” and the responsibilities that come with it.
Simply put, the behaviour of the foreigners was devoid of civility and a sheer display of arrogance.
The group’s disregard for the locals and their culture is deplorable and can be regarded as morally degrading.
What is even more unacceptable is the lack of guilt in one of the foreigners, who seemed to justify his actions on a social networking site in the face of the criticisms he received for his insensitive behaviour.
Perhaps, having been accustomed to living in nations that give them unlimited freedom, the foreigners may have forgotten that freedom comes with responsibilities, such as not compromising the existing harmony.
When freedom is overly exercised, it can wreak havoc on the harmony that society enjoys.
In this context, the pursuit of self-pleasure, which is only fathomable to them, as an exercise in “freedom” had disregarded locals’ strong feelings towards Mount Kinabalu.
The backlash that ensued is because of their ignorance and arrogance.
No offence, but perhaps, they would have a better idea of how it feels like if someone were to urinate on their ancestors’ graves.
I pray that these thoughtless souls are apprehended as soon as possible, so that they won’t take freedom for granted.
Kisho Ram, Bentong, Pahang