AS the dust settles after the infamous episode of the “Muslims-only” SPM workshop in an elite school in Johor Baru, I recall one of my favourite bank commercials from many years ago.
It portrayed a young boy excitedly calling his father, “Quickly, quickly!”. They stopped in front of a carousel, one of the wonders of the funfair that had come to town.
“Tickets, tickets!” the attendant shouted. “How can I help you, sir?”
“How much for the two of us?”
“A dollar each, and free for kids under the age of five.”
The attendant glanced at the boy. “How old is he?”
“My son is six, here are your two dollars.”
The attendant searched the father’s face.
“Mister, you could have told me he was younger. I wouldn’t have known the difference.”
“True,” the father answered. “But he would have known.”
Our values define us.
Not only should we, as adults, not attempt to cover up a problem, but we should not be seen as doing so.
I have said this to my girls: every problem or challenge presents an opportunity to showcase who we are and what we are made of.
In this case, I am afraid that based on the manner in which this matter was handled by the ministry, there was a lost opportunity.
In any matter which arises in future, for the sake of the young who turn to us for example and guidance, may we all do the right thing, always, for values are the bridge between generations. – The Vibes, February 1, 2023
Christopher Ling is a proud father of four Convent school girls
