In a way we’re all in the minority, so be friendly

During one of the sessions in the United Nations Conference Centre, a Buddhist leader from Myanmar stood up and said: “No one can claim to be the majority. Everyone is a minority from certain perspectives.”
This had me thinking that none of us can claim to be the absolute majority all the time, whether in terms of race, religion or any other category. For example, as a Malaysian, you may be the majority in your country but when you are in another country, you would be in the minority there.
The message for us is to always treat everyone as we would treat ourselves or our relatives. This is because the injustice we inflict upon minority groups here in Malaysia might easily be inflicted onto our brethren somewhere else.
I read a quote on the Internet (author unknown) that said: “When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”
This made me think of the online business traders and/or service providers who do not wish to pay income tax. As we all know, payment of income tax is mandatory for all Malaysians. Why is it suddenly deemed “unfair” to pay tax on income derived online? Are we so used to privilege that equality becomes a burden?
Let us always count our blessings and endeavour to be a blessing onto others.
Florence Yeap
Puchong, Malaysia/The Star/ANN