A DRIVING incident on the way back from Malaysia made me embarrassed to be a Singaporean. I wonder if we have lost our graciousness as the country prospers.

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Ms. Ong, apparently the one who is oblivious to the oversized traffic signs directing traffic was you. Putting the shoe on the other foot is it fair to claim ignorance and give way after having been in a queue for possibly an hour? And after giving way to one what of the rest who also choose to blatantly ignore the 'right' lanes meant for particular vehicles? You don't sound like a newbie to driving to Johor.

Get over it Ms Ong....Singaporeans will be Singaporeans. All Singaporeans will have the "Kiasu" & "KiaXi" Syndrome. Get used to it and quit complaining! It's in Singaporeans' blood!

The writer, like many others who wrote in to complain about this and that, seems to like using few individuals' act and start generalizing all Singaporeans as the same!

If I have been in the queue for an hour, don't expect me to give way either. Every idiot can try to cut queue by claiming ignorance.

I do not condone drivers refusing to give way but there is another perspective to Ms Ong's grouse. One frequently sees drivers (of both Singaporean and Malaysian cars) overtaking the queue at the causeway to try to cut back in in front. When you have been dutifully queueing up (as all good drivers should) and you see these irresponsible drivers trying to cut queue, would you still give way to them? These irresponsible drivers not only pose a danger to everyone else, they also make the jam much much worse. And is it not unfair to all the drivers queueing up behind you if you give way to these irresponsible drivers? Ms Ong may have been on the wrong lane by mistake but there is no way other drivers are going to know that her case was one of genuine mistake.

I live in a North American city where drivers are generally forgiving in giving way/allowing others coming out of side lanes. However, it is not true that queue jumping is tolerated. In this instance, it appears to be a case of queue jumping. Ms Ong must have been tempted to take advantage of the shorter queue.

Please do not complain. Drivers of other first world countries behave the same way as Singaporeans. We are no better or worse.

I sympathize with Ms. Ong's plight and frustrations. It's true that Singaporeans, once behind the wheels, take on a demeanour that is one of the worse seen in drivers around the world. From her description of what's happened, I question what has gone wrong with our many Courtesy campaigns and movements initiated by the Govt. More basic, what is wrong with the general Singapore psyche, when dealing with others, especially strangers ? This is one of our nation's worse character trait, and you can see similar selfish, boorish and inconsiderate behaviours at shopping malls, food centres and other public places, when Singaporeans are out with their families. They behave with total disregard to others using and enjoying the same facilities.

Dear All, there are a few stupid comments on this page, but also a few with very good point. But Ms. Ong said, that she was still far away from the lane end!! But Ms. Ong is also right about the fact that Malaysians are mor kind in such situations. Now it is a matter of fact that Singaporean driver are not friendly to give way. I'm not talking about queues only. I'm talking about driving in Singapore, on AYE, ECP, CTE/SLE, PIE. I'm talking about following driving rules. Switch back to your lane after overtaking is made clear also by Signboards on the road. But SOME Singaporeans are so arrogant, that they can't see any other car to pass by. And that's where it all starts. You can not expect to much kindness from somebody who even doesn't know or respect the basic rules.
Also most Singaporeans don't have a extensive driving experience in foreign countries where rules are to be respected. For exemple, it happened very often that you wach a car in the rear mirror on the overtaking lane, while you are in the middle lane. He doesn't pass by, because both cars are around speed limit. Now it comes to your turn to overtake the car in front of you. as soon as you put the signal to change lane, the car which has been behind you for quite some time, start speeding. That's where you ask yourself, why should we use a signal?
In Malaysia, Malaysian driver give space on the expressway, as soon as they see a faster care comming, except a few special cases, but Singapore cars are mostly on the overtaking lane and only switch once you're realy pushing them. And you know what else, they are causing other cars to be on theyr tail!!!
Mr. Zen, you have a very good point, and in this situation, where cars try to jump queue, Malaysians are worse. But when it comes to the kindness, Malysians react a little more friendly.
What to do to avoid this problem?? The government has to put up Barriers in order to avoid queue jumping!!??
I wish All of you a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2009...ande remember, A smile a day keeps the stress at bay.

This time the authorities should really step in and do something. I have brought this issue up before. There is no country in the world that regularly experiences such long queues and delays crossing the border into another country (except Singapore and Malaysia). Why should there be such a long queue to begin with.

This situation has been around for as long as I remember. There wouldn't be a problem like this if Immigration and Customs shape up. Their standard reply is always for security and safety. Look, if there is a terrorist with explosives, a hundred cars will be affected in the long queues. I don't understand what security they are talking about.

Both Singapore and Malaysia should agree to let their respective citizens pass through without the need to check passpoerts or fill in any cards. Checks should only be made if and when a car or individual is suspected of smuggling or being a threat. The vast majority of innocent folk who just want to cross over will then be spared the frustration of these jams.