Kuala Lampur, Aug. 19 -- I could be wrong, but I've been noticing a minor (albeit growing) backlash against "beg-packers" i.e. foreign tourists (usually Caucasian) who go around asking, some even begging, for money.

You sometimes see them on the trains, walking from coach to coach giving out explanatory micro-brochures (explaining why they're here or why they need cash) or selling trinklets.

You also sometimes see them playing flutes or guitars on the street and it's like suddenly Malaysia has been invaded by gypsies.

Understandably all this pisses off many Malaysians. There are fewer things weirder in life than people from "rich" countries going to "poor" countries to beg for money.

There are fewer awkward occasions in the day than a...