IN many situations in life, we react to events, situations and words in a positive or negative way. Reacting is a natural response, but overreacting occurs when our responses are excessive or unwarranted.
By staying calm and reflective, we can avoid overreactions and make more informed decisions in challenging situations.
As the saying goes, "we should always avoid blowing things out of proportion and instead approach situations with a balanced perspective.”
In the case involving KK Super Mart, it would have been preferable to adopt a response not dependent on instinct but rather on calm reflection.
It goes without saying that nobody in their right minds would sell goods that obviously touch on a sensitive religious issue and be offensive to people.
And so, KK Super Mart, having been in business for over 30 years, would not have deliberately or intentionally displayed goods that would offend its customers and drive them away.
Nobody would do that deliberately.
So we should surmise that it was a genuine mistake or oversight on its part.
And when somebody makes a genuine mistake, or due to an oversight, all we have to do is gently point it out to him/her for corrective action to be taken.
There is no need to overreact and to call for a boycott of the outlet.
At some point in our lives, we all make mistakes. Mistakes are errors in judgment or the result of oversight. And when the mistakes are highlighted, remedial action should be taken.
Sometimes mistakes can also present opportunities for learning, growth and improvement.
And since the owner of KK Super Mart himself has apologised profusely for the oversight, we can safely assume that its staff will in future be extra careful, extra mindful, extra sensitive to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
For pointing out the mistake, the complainants must be thanked. And they will also be thanked when they do not use a sledgehammer to crack a nut for political or other short-term gain.
So, let common sense prevail and put the matter to rest.
Several quarters have voiced similar concerns and I feel it’s time to bring the matter to a close.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
TRUSTEE OF MALAYSIAN UNITY FOUNDATION
