I wish to comment on the aborted whipping demonstration in schools and some of the views expressed thereafter.

It has become a fashion to decry violence as a form of education, especially for those steeped in western education. Psychology and counselling have all the answers for these people, although in reality there isn't one western state that can stand as a testimony to their assertions.

Western education does create tunnel thinkers to the extreme, especially when specialisation takes place. We seem to feel inferior to defend our practices.

We are living in a world that is glorifying violence. Children are witnessing the most gory scenes every day and night in their own living rooms through the television and other electronic media.

The hero in many films can be very violent in achieving his ambitions. Many of our children hero-worship these characters.

Parang-wielding youths are quite common nowadays out roaming to prey on the hapless. Stories abound of the various triads in our own country and even schools. Our children must be made aware that they have to live in this cruel world - which claims to be civilised.

People are fighting, regimes are continually plotting the downfall of their opponents by any means, foul included . Many methods of wiping out opposition and perceived enemies are evident today and modern violence can be most horrifying.

The chances of our younger ones falling victims to triads or negative groups are always there, especially in this highly commercialised world. The temptation is always present to take violent steps for quick success.

Such characters do not heed the advice of psychologists or counsellors. Such characters have to be kept in check and the social guardians have this unenviable job to do.

Theorists and moralists can debate on the deficiencies of such a system, but in reality, all deterrent and preventive options available advocate some form of violence, including the death penalty.

The whipping demonstration in schools was being done while the children are under the protection of the teachers. As they are not in a position of helplessness, the chances of them suffering 'trauma' is remote.

I believe the whipping demonstrations will leave a strong impression on students that negative actions, no matter how profitable or viable they may seem, will land one in a situation where society's combined retribution takes effect.

Such a combined will is necessary to maintain some level of civility in society. Every advanced nation that outwardly champions human right has enough forms of violent methods to keep its society civil.

Let's allow our children to be fully educated as over-protection will surely weaken them in facing the realities of this world.

In the meantime, champions against all forms of violence should embark on an educational strategy able to keep the violent nature of humans in check besides implementing such a strategy thoroughly.

That will be a yeoman service to mankind and Utopia will be realised. But until then, we have no alternative but to live in this cruel and violent world.