Not a mature approach
Writer Ahmad Zahzah suggests in the column that, in order to pacify the boss, a person should show up on weekends, wash the boss' car and run other such errands ("Work-related queries answered", Off the Cuff, Gulf News, January 21).
This is the most ridiculous suggestion I have ever heard. It is right to find out the reason for the boss' anger, and do your job correctly. In an organisation, all employees should have enough maturity to understand the requirements of their designation and also know how to deal with problems.
Talking is the solution, not throwing things at workers or washing the boss' car. The worker is paid for the job he does for the organisation, not personal favours for the boss.
From Ms Padma Sudhakar
Dubai
Fond memories
Gulf News' recently carried an obituary on the legendary chess player Bobby Fischer. It was interesting and brought back fond memories of a troubled but romantic period in the history of chess ("Former chess champion Bobby Fischer dies", Gulf News, January 18).
Aptly called the "pioneer of professional chess", Bobby was ahead of his times and was a genius at chess. The enormity of his achievement stems from the fact that he was against players who were systematically and methodically trained. In terms of dominance over players of his era, only Garry Kasparov ranks alongside Bobby.
From Mr Arvind G. P.
Sharjah
Star struck
I was awarded recently for safe driving during the Dubai traffic campaign, so imagine my surprise when I recently got fined for a violation I didn't commit. I was at a signal heading towards the Floating Bridge.
The roads weren't as busy. When I went through the green light I saw a traffic policeman take down my licence plate number. I don't understand what my error was.
Later, when I checked I found I had been fined Dh100 for changing lanes. I know I didn't, as there was no reason to change a lane. This is so unjust!
From Mr Bhatia
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Animal welfare
Good to see the fight for the welfare of animals in Abu Dhabi ("Six pet shops shut for flouting civic regulations", Gulf News, January 19). In a modern society, it is unacceptable to ignore the level of abuse administered towards animals.
Let's hope the pet shops that were closed down are unable to open again under another name. This would help reinforce the fact that the UAE will not tolerate this level of mistreatment of other living beings and is prepared to do something about it.
From Ms Elsie
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Lend a voice
I am surprised with the opinion of the Indian ambassador to the UAE regarding the issue of minimum wages ("Legal Indian housemaids 'do not face abuse'", Gulf News, January 19).
The world is moving towards a minimum wage, which is the first step in stemming abuse. A housemaid's low level or lack of education contributes to her inability to complain against abuse.
Many make the news when they jump off the balcony unable to cope with the physical and mental abuse. It can be made mandatory that all housemaids are brought to their consulates at least once a year so that they can speak in privacy, in their own language, about any hardships.
Housemaids do not write to newspapers. That does not mean that they are happy and content.
From Mr Jayaraj P.
Dubai
Unique
It is a unique feat by Emirati student Jalal Bin Thaneya to help the needy and unfortunate, especially when the majority of the younger generation today usually concentrate on their own life, prioritising their needs before anybody else's ("Student step forward to climb towers for cause", Gulf News, January 21).
As a student, it's admirable that his main concern is to collect funds for children with special needs. In this context, he is a true role model.
From Mr Shafeque Babu. K
Dubai
To top it all
I have a lot of problems with Salik ("Scarce Salik tags leave drivers bitter and fined", Gulf News, January 21). I belong to that group of people who bought Salik since it started.
I can top up the account but cannot see my expenditure and balance. I complained via e-mail and also by telephone on the toll free number. I was promised that the issue would be dealt with.
But to my surprise nothing has been done yet. On checking online, the message displayed is that my pin number is incorrect. But if that is the case how are the top ups being accepted?
From Ms Priya
UAE
Website comment
Not well organised
I participated in last weekend's 10-kilometre run during the Dubai Marathon. Up to the start it all seemed well organised but then, from my perspective, fell apart.
The course was poorly designed - all runners were on the same road and there were no separation cones to de-mark the passing lanes - the fastest runners had to barge their way through the slower ones.
From Ms Rebecca Hill
Dubai
Undue advantage
Employees these days tend to take undue advantage of favourable labour laws and thereby exploit their employers. Usually, an employer has to go through the tedious recruitment procedure, bear expenses for endorsing a three-year employment visa, impart training and plan business commitments.
However, once employed and in the country, the employee starts searching for jobs with better pay or simply quits giving a month's notice and false excuses. Additionally, the employer cannot prevent the employee from re-entering the country on a visit visa.
From Mr Prakash Chetnani
Dubai
Rain strain
The recent rains and floods had made the usually horrible traffic even worse. My husband was unable to go for his driving assessment test.
He called up his driving instructor only to be subjected to rude and callous remarks. Later, the instructor ignored my husband's calls, when he tried to reschedule the test.
Upon calling the driving institute, my husband was told that if he needed a new instructor, he would have to pay the entire amount again. What kind of customer service is this?
From Ms Mehnaz Ali
Dubai
