Isn't the nation all abuzz with issues!

There is the removal of the ringgit peg, the clampdown on Ayah Pin's 'Sky Kingdom', the expose on former Sabah chief minister Osu Sukam's gambling debts and the scandal around issuance of Approved Permits (APs) involving International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz.

Then there is the revelation from Inspector-General of Police Bakri Omar than an average of 120 pupils are hauled up each month for alleged involvement in drug abuse, gangsterism, fighting and sexual assault.

With more than 5,000 students nationwide, Bakri has reason indeed to worry, especially if the number of pupils involved in such activities continues to rise.

Bakri's concern was 'shared' by the ever-eager Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who gave the assurance that the issue would be dealt with seriously. And that appeared to be the end of his enthusiasm in tackling this issue.

Currently, much concern is being shown for strengthening the ringgit and debating the cronyism surrounding issuance of APs.

The government's lackaidaisical attitude to preventing criminal activities among students does not augur well for the education system. As important as the other issues are, there is no excuse why student discipline cannot be dealt with effectively.

Is the government in denial that school children are capable of assault and gangsterism? Are the government and parents of the mindset that throwing troubled children into boarding schools is the answer to this serious problem?

Of late, we have read about students being beaten up by bullies at school, with some fights resulting in death. Now, why is this issue not being tackled in a no-holds-barred manner? Why is there a piecemeal approach to dealing with this problem?

There is hardly any word from the government in implementing a 'zero-violence' stance in schools. So much for wanting to sustain a compassionate Malaysian society.

Time to take charge

Merely expressing worry over the storm that is brewing is not going to ease the situation. Pro-active approaches have to be identified and implemented promptly to arrest a paralsying situation.

The government, through the ministries of education, youth and sports, and women, family and community development respectively should waste no time in finding out why young minds turn to crime.

The setting up of cabinet committees, while fine and dandy, will do little good if there is no action emanating from the lengthy discussions.

Is the home environment a disabling one for the child, prompting him or her to spend much time outside the house? Or is there no support system for children who want to be heard? Is quality time for children an issue with parents? If so, why?

These are are among questions that must be raised, examined and solved. No short-cuts can be used as saviours to protect pupils from facing the consequences of breaching the law.

The next move is to determine ways and means to prevent students from engaging in criminal activities. For those already involved, an action plan of help must be found to assist them in keeping away from crime.

A zero-violence schooling environment is not impossible, although it would require a lot of thought and work. The question is whether the government is prepared to take on the laborious work of creating a safe and conducive environment.

It is also necessary for the education ministry to carry out a study on the effectiveness of the 'Moral Education' curriculum to determine if it is meets current needs.

Stop threatening teachers

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) also have an important role to play, instead of mainly using their time to raise funds.

These groups should synergise its objectives with those of the schools, to ensure that student and teacher safety and welfare is never compromised. However, they should not meddle in the day-to-day operations of the school.

Teachers must be given the trust to carry out their duties effectively, without parental interference. Disciplining errant pupils should not be an issue blown out of proportion unless harm has befallen the child.

Parents should refrain from using media, police and political threats to restrain teachers who use discipline as a mode to straighten out mischievous children.

Teachers too should collaborate with parents to improve disciplinary standards by not politicising the functions of the PTA to suit themselves.

It is no secret that some teachers manipulate PTA votes to kick out parents whom they claim to be 'trouble makers'. Should a parent express concern about the bad behaviour of students or teachers, it is the responsibility of the PTA members to listen and work out a solution.

Getting rid of a parent who is also a PTA member for raising issues is a poor reflection on the reason d'etre of schools.

The issue of pupils being caught for criminal acts is a threat to nurturing citizens who can take the nation to greater heights by virtue of sound moral values.

A choice must be made now to build the character of young Malaysians - by stopping the rot that appears to bedevil a growing number of students.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.