Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to be respected, you must first show respect to others”? I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Respect should be mutual and universal, regardless of who you are—whether a high-ranking official, a lecturer, a student, or a staff member. This principle can and should be practiced on campus.
Every morning, as we enter the university gates, we can raise our hands to greet the guards. This small yet powerful gesture sets the tone for the day with positive energy. Yielding to pedestrians, whether they are students, the elderly, or anyone else, is another simple act that carries significant meaning. It doesn’t matter if they return the gesture; what truly counts is the positive energy it generates within you. When someone acknowledges your respect with a raised hand or a smile, it brings a sense of fulfillment. These acts of kindness, while small, have a significant impact.
We should respect everyone’s role. For instance, the cleaners in our faculty work diligently to ensure that our environment remains conducive and comfortable. A simple “How are you, makcik?” can brighten their day. If you have the means, consider surprising them occasionally with a small treat, like breakfast. It’s a small gesture that can have a significant effect.
Avoid constant complaining, as it invites negativity and can affect your mental and physical health. Instead, focus on being grateful for the comfortable environment in which we work. If you see a student, particularly an international student, looking lost while searching for a lecture hall or an academic office, take a moment to guide them. It costs nothing to help.
Never underestimate the power of two simple words: “thank you.” These magic words can uplift both the speaker and the recipient. Use them generously—whether at the library counter, the campus café, or the administration office. While there may be times when we feel frustrated with delays or inefficiencies, remember that the university has established mechanisms for addressing such issues constructively.
As a lecturer, when my students arrive late to my class and sincerely say “I’m sorry” with a valid reason, my heart instantly softens. Truly, “I’m sorry” is another powerful phrase.
The phrase “manners come before knowledge” holds profound significance. Manners serve as the foundation, while knowledge constitutes the content. Without a strong foundation, knowledge cannot remain stable. Consider knowledge as clear water, and manners as the vessel that holds it. If the vessel is dirty, arrogant, disrespectful, or unkind, even the clearest water becomes undrinkable.
There is a sign near the Masjid Sultan Ismail and Dewan Sultan Iskandar that reads, “I studied adab for thirty years, and I studied knowledge for twenty years”—a quote by Abdullah ibn Mubarak. This emphasizes that manners should be our first priority. I consistently remind my students that even if they are top academics with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), if they do not show respect to their lecturers, peers, or others, they do not deserve my respect. It was disheartening to read a recent news story about a student who punched his teacher in the face.
Manners also matter in our campus environment. If you see trash lying around, don’t hesitate to pick it up and dispose of it properly. If you notice the water tap still running in the toilet, common sense dictates that you should turn it off. Similarly, if you come across an empty lecture room or musolla, it is our responsibility to switch off the lights and fans.
Previously, the Department of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) (JTNCHEPA) developed a module highlighting seven aspects of manners—towards God, oneself, lecturers, parents, friends, knowledge, and the environment. The aim is to cultivate UTM students who are intellectually, emotionally, and morally balanced. This module is designed to be utilized not only in classrooms but also during academic advisory sessions, guiding students to become not only academically excellent but also morally upright and socially responsible individuals.
This initiative is a commendable effort to instill good manners throughout the UTM ecosystem. Reflect on one of our Rukun Negara principles: understand it, internalize it, digest it, and put it into practice: Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan. Ultimately, manners stem from within. Show respect to everyone, perform acts of kindness, and be compassionate. Insya-Allah, we will all carry a positive spirit within ourselves.
By: Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)