Queen of Etiquette

MANY will remember Aziah Jasmin Azizul as a former TV3 newscaster but to the legion of professional consultants, she is known as Ms Manners.

Making the shift from TV screen to the business of telling people how to dress, behave and act couldn’t have come more naturally for this Ipoh-born beauty who drives a black Perdana V6.

“I feel that the crux that makes manners so important in any culture is the need to take the feelings of others into consideration,” said Aziah, 38.

The realm of road motoring, according to this personal image and style consultant, is badly in need of etiquette awareness.

While it may seem difficult to say one’s Ps and Qs from the confines of an enclosed cabin, Aziah maintains that there are some things that motorists could observe.

One is to refrain from picking one’s nose when traffic comes to a standstill.

“No one should be caught in action doing this. The only place where you should pick your nose is in a toilet with the door closed and curtains drawn,” said Aziah.

Spitting out of windows is another no, no.

“Not only is this disgusting but it is also a health hazard as it spreads viruses and contributes to air pollution. From the pedestrian point of view, it’s like manoeuvring a mine field when you have to watch where you are stepping,” said Aziah.

This etiquette queen, who started driving at the age of 17 in her brother’s Proton Knight (later known as the Proton Aeroback), even has an answer for motorists who is facing the predicament of black or white smoke emitting from their vehicles.

“Apologise. While it is not possible to let every motorist know that it is not your intention to foul up their breathing air, you can at least apologise to the nearest driver. I remember stopping at a traffic light once and this biker who had white smoke coming out from his exhaust turned to say sorry to a driver who had its windows wound down,” she said.

Signalling is also another gesture of politeness. In Aziah’s etiquette book, nothing can be more irritating and dangerous for a driver who does not use her signal lights, especially when there are other motorists waiting to come out of a junction.

While she maintains that it is unforgivable to cut queues in traffic, should the inevitable happen, then it is only proper to raise a hand in a gesture to ask the other drivers for permission to cut into a lane before manoeuvring one’s vehicle into place.

"It is more forgivable for a driver to do this rather than to cut in abruptly and cause the cars behind to a sudden brake. Though there is an urgent need to save time in today’s hectic lifestyle, understand that others too have the same urgent need to reach a destination, so practice consideration,” said Aziah.

As for the horn, Aziah, who confesses to being a speed demon on straight, clear roads, said that it should only be used for two things - in emergencies and as a gesture of friendliness.

“You know how some drivers go ‘teet, teet’ and then wave? I’ve seen some drivers do that for big trailers when they give the all-clear signal for cars behind to overtake. To honk at a vehicle in irritation is likened to giving someone a scolding. I am sure that it is not in one’s best practice to go about scolding strangers,” she said.

Aziah is especially stern with those who park in lots reserved for the handicapped.

“The disabled already have enough problems with mobility. They don’t have to contend with inconsiderate drivers who deny them of easy entrance to shopping malls and other public buildings," she said.

Although Aziah’s Perdana V6 runs on automatic transmission, this former student of SMJK Main Convent, Ipoh, admits a preference for manual drives as it gives her a macho feel. It was the same reason for her choosing the sporty GTi Satria as her first car.

“Changing gears makes me feel active while driving,” said Aziah.

Talking of her dream car sees her eyes misting over as she whispers the hallowed name of the red Ferrari.

“Sometimes I am afraid of myself when I realise that I love speed," she said.

"I once drove from Penang to Kuala Lumpur in two hours. This was at night too but I have discovered throughout the years that I am a better driver at night than in the day as the glare makes me feel sleepy.”

For more etiquette advice from Aziah, visit Star Studio at 5-1, Jalan PJU 5/10, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya.

By Grace Chen

Published in CBT (Cars, Bikes and Trucks-NST)