Similar but not quite the same

I traveled by LRT from the Gombak station today...

8 years ago, it was easy to get parking spot at the station.
Today, you are graced with luck if you get one after 8am.

8 years ago, there were no queues going into the train.
Today, the line stretched almost end-to-end of the platform.

8 years ago, there was one vacant green patch near Damai Station.
Today, it's still there. Vacant.

8 years ago, after rushing to the exit gate, people take time to walk to their destination.
Today, they rush all the way.

8 years ago, the transit bus schedule is unpredictable.
Today, it still is.

8 years ago a 4 year old is happily running around at 4 pm.
Today, they are in school. Learning something valuable, according to the parents.

8 years ago a kid can go to the sundry shop to get his favourite junk food.
Today, he might get kidnapped.

8 years ago teachers teach because they want to educate.
Today, they are just another wage earner.

8 years ago counter workers at government departments are slow.
Today, they still are.

8 years ago CUEPACS asked for this incentive and that reward.
Today, they still scream the same.

Certain things have changed. Some still remain the same. We use to take our time when we walk, and then some people call us lazy Malaysians. Now our pace is too fast, we forget to smell the flowers and enjoy the surrounding. We used to be more laid back, now we are impatient and always angry.

I am not oppose to change. Neither do I disagree with development. But I believe we should take time to slow down, or even, freeze in time. ;-) Take time to walk across the park, instead of the tunnel that connects Suria to the Convention Centre. Take longer drive back home instead of getting stuck in the traffic.

To Cuepacs, I have a suggestion. Stop asking for more, because the more you ask for reward, the higher prices increase. Or haven't you realised that? Our living cost is a reflection of your requests. In the end, it will never be enough, price keep on increasing and your standard of living still remain the same. Isn't there something wrong with the way you're doing things? Why can't you people instead try to improve your work quality. There are 10 counters available, can't you make sure all counters have its operator? And not only open 4 out of 10?

Anyway, I babbled too much already. So, I'm typing off here.