Opinions | Letters
September 24, 2008
Letters to the Editor: September 24, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:07 September 24, 2008
Don't destroy smiles; drive safe
It is disheartening to see road accidents killing and maiming innocent and beautiful people. Recently, a very gentle, well-mannered, polite and respected UAE national colleague was involved in a motorcycle accident. Now, whenever I meet him, I try to visualise the pain he must have gone through and continues to go through for no fault of his. I cannot bear to see a 'handicapped' sign on the dashboard of his car. What's truly inspiring is the fact that although he has lost strength in some parts of his body, he has not lost his smile. It's high time we respond to the various appeals made by authorities to respect traffic laws and be patient. It's better late than never.
From Mr Amjad Ali Awan
Dubai
Justice has been served
I would like to share with all Gulf News readers that I have won the case against my landlord after raising it with the Dubai Municipality's rent committee. I thank the authorities for giving a fair and prompt verdict. Now there will be no increase in my house rent, with unchanged payment terms. Additionally, the landlord has been asked to repay the entire amount - 3.5 per cent of the annual rent - which I had paid as fee to file the case. I got justice for free! I would like to remind anyone who has given up hope - nobody is above the law and sooner or later, justice will prevail.
From Mr Raj Purohit
Dubai
Lucky experience
I went to the Indian Consulate, in Dubai, to apply for a visa, recently. Having been to other consulates before, I must admit that the service at the Indian Consulate was the best I have ever experienced. Perhaps, I was lucky, but I witnessed a high level of professionalism and outstanding coordination. Despite overcrowding, the whole process didn't take more than 20 minutes. I even tried to make myself a 'difficult customer', but the counter staff remained patient and friendly. I am very impressed and would like to thank the management for a pleasant experience.
From Ms Larissa Z.
Dubai
Streamline process
I would like to request the authorities to intervene on the paid parking system in Karama, which is about to start soon. As it is, people residing in the area don't have any space to park their cars. How can this new rule help resolve the problem? Before introducing a paid parking system, the ideal thing to do would have been to provide ample parking space. Finding a decent parking slot, in the evening, especially on returning home after work is impossible.
From Ms Litty Mathew
Dubai
Shortlived
Having moved to Dubai a short while ago, I decided to use the bus service as it has an impressive fleet of air-conditioned vehicles. However, my excitement was shortlived as I waited for two hours for a bus to arrive. What made it worse was the fact that the bus stop did not have a shelter. I almost melted into a puddle on the roadside due to the heat. The buses don't stop when the seats get occupied, but I am sure many of us would not mind travelling by standing in the bus. How can the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) encourage a greener Dubai and reduce road congestion by plying a handful of buses and not allow passengers to stand?
From Ms Aisha
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
More on the way
No matter how many readers complain about Salik, it is not going to deter the Roads and Transport Authorities (RTA) from installing more tollgates. I live on Shaikh Zayed Road and earlier it would take 20 minutes to get to work. However, now with the installation of the new Salik tollgates, it takes me one hour. Unless and until an alternative solution is devised, additional tollgates should not be set up. Close the newly installed tollgates for now. Once the Metro is operational, these can be reopened. I have a feeling that the most recent tollgates are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more on the way.
From Mr Adel Al Attar
Dubai
Erasing culture
It is unacceptable for the social organisation, in Mumbai, India to discourage members from wearing lungis, or the traditional wraparound for men ("Organisation tells members to change their dress sense", Gulf News, September 17). The lungi is an age-old clothing item in many Indian states and it should not be discarded just to keep up with changing trends. Every country has its own heritage, rich of culture and traditions. Sacrificing these for the sake of modernity would do much harm to society. If lungis are considered obscene, what about scantily clad women? The organisation could address this issue, too.
From Mr Shafeeque Babu K.
Dubai
Inhumane attacks
The recent attack on churches in the Indian state of Karnataka has left me disgusted ("India police arrest right-wing Hindu leader," Gulf News, September 20). As a student, I remember visiting my school church many a times, so when I heard that it had been destroyed, I felt as if someone had personally assaulted me. I strongly condemn this attack, especially because it is inhumane to assault those in prayer - regardless of religion. I assume this is the handiwork of the unemployed and anti-social elements in society.
From Mr Acharya R.
Abu Dhabi
Not justified
This is in response to the recent Gulf News report about terminally ill people being discriminated against at their workplace. Firing employees due to terminal illnesses such as cancer is a terrible act. It is a humanitarian concern, and I am delighted that human rights activists are paying attention to the issue, especially breast cancer and the employment of women. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are in constant agony, and require support from both their family and society, in order to return to normal routine life. Additionally, these are not contagious diseases and no employer should have the authority to terminate staff members based on it.
From Ms Aisha Zakir Hussain
Abu Dhabi
Tough gets going
I am not a millionaire, but I believe stress in times of a rising cost of living and inflation is usually internal - it is caused by the way we see things. If I am anxious for some reason, I ask myself whether being in this state would offer me a solution, or make me happy. Usually, the answer is a resounding "no". Therefore, I always try to be cheerful and in high spirits, no matter what comes my way. I urge all Gulf News readers to practice being content, too!
From Mr Pervaiz Gani
UAE
Commendable
The UAE Red Crescent Authority provided a highly commendable service at the site of the recent fire by arranging free accommodation for affected tenants ("Helicopters, cranes used to rescue trapped in fire-hit Abu Dhabi building," Gulf News, September 20). The authorities did not rest until arrangements were made to help the victims of the unfortunate incident. The most admirable service was in arranging accommodation in a place where finding accommodation is not easy. By late night, all tenants were already allocated accommodations, with many being transferred to costly hotel apartments.
From Mr M. Deen
Abu Dhabi
No room for prayer
Earlier this week, I attended a meeting at a reputable hotel in Dubai. When it was time for prayer, I asked the hotel staff if there was a place to pray. To my surprise, I was directed to the same meeting room with some of the participants still inside. I expected a luxurious hotel to have a dedicated prayer room, especially if they can provide special parking lots and toilets!
From Mr Judhi Prasetyo
Dubai
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