LETTERS: I feel compelled to share a wonderful experience on integrity and human values recently at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2).
I spent two years (from 2016 to 2017) in South Korea as a senior Malaysian Armed Forces officer, attending the National Security Course at the Korea National Defence University (KNDU).
My time in Korea was most fruitful, where I experienced the wonderful Korean hospitality, efficient transport system and emphasis on respect for the elders.
Above all, Koreans pride themselves on being punctual, respecting the environment and, most importantly, having integrity in all aspects of daily life.
My experiences with all these remain vivid in my memory, and throughout my stay there, I made many good friends.
Recently, one of my coursemates and close friend from KNDU, Lee Young Kwan, along with three others and their spouses, visited Malaysia for 10 days.
Lee used to be in the South Korean Presidential Security Detail at the Blue House.
It was their first visit to Malaysia and was a welcome respite from the extreme cold weather in Korea. I had the privilege to host them in my hometown of Melaka, where they spent most of their time.
Melaka and Malaysia left a lasting impression on them, and from what I gather, they were in awe of the friendliness, multiculturalism and variety of good food here.
On Dec 27, Lee and his entourage left Malaysia for Busan, South Korea, via Air Asia. On the same day, I received a call from Lee's daughter informing me that he had lost his wallet.
She sounded crestfallen. She stated that Lee could recall visiting a duty-free shop and a fast-food outlet prior to boarding. Receipts from both of these outlets were forwarded to me.
I tried calling the fast-food outlet several times, but was not successful in getting through, and the duty-free shop did not provide telephone details.
Out of desperation, I tried my luck at the Lost and Found Department of klia2 and called them.
To my delight, an officer, Haris Halmi, answered and, through my description, informed me that the department has Lee's wallet.
Further verification confirmed all important documents, as well as credit cards and the US, Korean and Malaysian foreign currencies were intact.
When I relayed the good news to Lee and his daughter, they were really happy.
They wanted me to convey their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Lost and Found Department, the good Samaritan who found the wallet, and the security personnel at klia2, who brought the wallet to the department.
Having served the Malaysian Armed Forces for almost 40 years, I believe there is no greater honour than to serve our beloved country with my fellow countrymen and women.
To Haris Halmi and Nadja from the Lost and Found Department, the good Samaritan, and security personnel at klia2, I salute all of you.
Your honesty and good human values have certainly left a lasting impression on me and are a reflection of the good values that Malaysians are proud of.
I am sure your noble deed will convince many more foreign guests to include Malaysia as a destination not to be missed in their travel calendar!
My best wishes and a happy New Year to all Malaysians.
MAJOR-GENERAL DATUK JOHNNY LIM ENG SENG
Chief of Staff, Army Field Command West HQ, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
