I’m angry. I’m distraught. I’m disturbed to the very core of me. The death of a boy at the hands of a monster, a monster placed in the position of authority and trust. A child that was placed in the care of a school, which was entrusted to look after him, to care for him, to nurture him and to educate him. Instead, the 11 year old lived just long enough to endure the pain and trauma of losing his legs. And then he too gave in.
The school let him down. Our system failed this child. We, Malaysians, let this happen. Now we stand by and simply say ‘rest in peace, dear one’.
We are a forgiving bunch. And a very forgetful one.
For generations, scandals have plagued this country. Yet Malaysians forget. Better the devil we know, appears to be the attitude. The mismanagement of this country, the gaining momentum of bigotry, racism and intolerance in this country is seeping into every crevice, at every level of society. On a daily basis, we see our system failing. We are a divided nation today, as never before.
All that aside, this failing system is now effecting our children. The group most vulnerable amongst us. The group most in need of our protection. The future of this country. Education cannot be politicised. Those responsible for defining the system of education in this country have a noble task ahead of them and it must be carried out with utmost good faith, sincerity and integrity. Educators, teachers & care givers stand at the front line of shaping the minds that will lead this country.
A child died at the hands of his teacher. The child screamed out for help. But he wasn’t heard. There is something very wrong with a system that allows that to happen, whether intentionally or otherwise.
Where is the uproar that ought to be heard? Where are those who are responsible for allowing such personalities to become teachers, the guardians of our children?? Why the silence? Shouldn’t we be banging their doors down demanding an explanation? Yet, not a word from the relevant Ministers. Other than the usual ‘leave it to the authorities.
Forgive me, but our authorities have let us down on countless occasions so how many more tragedies do we have to witness before Malaysians react??
I’m not speaking about immediate action being taken by the authorities against the teacher. Reportedly, he is, rightly, being investigated for murder.
What I want to know is how this failed system will be fixed. Will it even be acknowledged that this tragedy was a result of a failed system or will be seen as an isolated incident involving one black sheep?
It is reported that religious schools in this country do not come within the purview of the Education Ministry. How could this possibly be the case? All other private/international schools are under the supervision of the Education Ministry. Why not religious schools? What is the process of vetting of its teachers? Who decides on the curriculum studied? Who decides on the quality of education? What exactly is being taught in religious schools? Shouldn’t the Education Ministry approve this? Isn’t education the responsibility of the government? Will our Ministry take a stand? Or will it continue to remain silent, in true Malaysian style. Until the problem goes away or is overtaken by another disaster.
Perhaps, we should be less forgiving of those who have failed us. Perhaps, we should start demanding the quality we deserve, at least where our children are concerned. The best interest of your child is equal to that of mine. Perhaps, it is time to be heard.