THE commentary, "My love-hate affair with my countrymen" (my paper,March 16), has again proven that Singapore's concerted efforts to drive home the paramount importance of graciousness have not achieved their desired results.
Singaporeans display their lack of social graces not only at home but also abroad, especially in neighbouring countries.
I know of a Malaysian friend who is a tour guide for visitors from Asean.
When asked which nationality is hardest to deal with, his spontaneous response was: Singaporeans.
According to him, Singaporeans are impatient and smug.
They complain about petty issues, such as slow service in restaurants and hotels as well as transport delays.
They want everything cheap and good, and are difficult to please.
Singaporeans have irked many overseas with their boasting about the strong Singdollar and the country's efficient transport and public-health systems.
They like to draw comparisons without understanding others' background and circumstances.
Singaporeans are insensitive to others' feelings and frown on things which are not to their liking.
Worse still, they make their unhappiness publicly known.
Small wonder they are called "ugly Singaporeans" - a label which will stick for years to come.
I cannot agree more with the statement: "Singaporeans are a people whom many love to hate."
