Building social capital is important too
ONE important aspect of the 11th Malaysia Plan which should be addressed is to enhance social development based on noble values which can help strengthen human capabilities and the role of family institutions in achieving a balanced society.
The success of our nation depends not only on economics, science and information communication technology but also on how we can build a Malaysian society which is morally, spiritually and mentally strong and healthy.
This can be a bulwark against the many social and moral issues besieging our society. Our nation’s future depends on a strong and cohesive moral foundation.
Despite our many accomplishments, the social progress of our society is still lagging behind. It is time for us to address the country’s social capital. All Malaysians must take responsibility for the failing values and declining social standards prevalent today.
The serious crime rate, unresolved drug menace, corruption in the public and private sectors, indiscipline in schools, truancy, bullying and the culture of violence in our midst all point to an urgent need to address the country’s social capital.
Unless and until we succeed in boosting our social capital, no amount of economic development can strengthen our social fabric in the face of new challenges. This is why it is important for Malaysia to balance rapid economic growth with moral and societal values.
Social ills are the symptoms of an unhappy society. Many factors have been blamed for causing social ills, including lack of parental supervision, lack of moral and civic education, urbanisation and the oft-discussed delinquent behaviour of teenagers.
The time has come for us, as a nation, to improve our quality of life and address the negative trends head-on before the situation deteriorates.
It is time for our nation to develop a new, effective and sustainable blueprint to address the multifarious social ills in our fast-changing national landscape through a special task force with the full participation of all stakeholders. I am pleased to note that our Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is also advocating a new social agenda for the nation.
Counselling programmes involving family institutions and the promotion of noble values are now needed more than ever before.
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing our society.
When a nation progresses, the family institution could be the first victim with children not getting enough attention and guidance, leading to the emergence of various social ills affecting our teenagers.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to instil into their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation of a strong, stable and cohesive society.
What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation.
The world today is confronted with a very disturbing phenomenon. Wherever modernisation and economic development take place and result in a better standard of living, new problems, such as a decline in human values and moral degradation, occur.
To arrest the situation, a massive programme of inculcating values is required at all levels for children, youths and teenagers.
Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, honesty, responsibilities and honour need to be emphasised.
Strong human values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will then lead to a strong and stable nation.
The need for these has never been greater than today.