MALAYSIANS are always accused of being late
Rather than focus on this negatively, we should realise that people have an understanding of time that goes beyond being on time.
To be punctual is to be on the dot. What happens when our understanding of the 'dot' is not to be 'on it', but to be 'before it'? Literally speaking, it would be 'not punctual'.
It indicates that the person is going to be earlier than the chosen time. Is this wrong? Absolutely not.
The philosophy behind this practice can be summarised in my mother's own words: "Do not let people wait for you, you wait for them." I grew up with this constant advice, and am still hearing it from my mother, who is now in her 70s.
My mother was a principal of a prestigious girls' school in Alor Star for more than 10 years.
She was the embodiment of 'beyond punctual'. Not only did she go to school early, but she was also among the last to leave for home.
My mother has had thousands of students since her days as a teacher and later as a principal.
These students might not have experienced 'beyond punctual' at home, but when they went to school, they were directly or indirectly influenced by an educator who managed her time wisely.
Hopefully, they would impart this lesson to their spouses, children, family and friends.
My mother practices 'beyond punctual' in her daily life too.
She makes sure to check in early for flights as she does not want fellow passengers to wait for her.
Whenever she carpooled to somewhere, she would arrive at the meeting point much earlier than the specified time.
This positive practice has influenced me as well. Recently, I received an award from the university for a book that I had produced.
I reached the venue about 15 minutes early. I had ample time to take pictures of the place without people in it.
I only realised that I, too, practised 'beyond punctual' when I posted the pictures in my family's social media group. My mother asked if I was the first one there.
I think positive time management is not alien to Malaysians who are in, or who once served in, uniformed organisations such as the police and the military.
This belief is based on my experience as both a Scout and an army cadet.
We were required to not only be punctual, but to go beyond that.
Silat has also made me go beyond punctuality. Once I had to teach Silat Kuntau Tekpi at Sekolah Menengah Syed Abu Bakar in Baling, Kedah.
Every Friday after subuh prayers I would depart from my house in Alor Star to the school. It was a two-hour drive.
I did this for almost a year and I found out that arriving before my students allowed me to prepare the specific spaces for training in the large football field.
This was beneficial especially when we had to share the field with other uniformed and sports groups.
Of course, we are not perfect. Sometimes we are late due to circumstances beyond our control.
Do not be afraid to apologise to those who were waiting for you. Strive not to repeat the mistake.
Do not just use words, but act on them.
This builds trust in you and makes you a very dependable person.
Imagine a world full of people who always attempt to be earlier than the rest.
The writer is senior lecturer, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia. He can be reached at [email protected]
