Greater need to teach noble values now
THERE is a greater need for counselling programmes in schools and family institutions and the promotion of noble values now than ever before.
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing society.
When a nation progresses, the family institution could be the first victim with children not getting enough attention and guidance, leading to their involvement in various social ills.
Striking a balance between their career and nurturing their children to grow up as responsible citizens is a dilemma facing Malaysian parents today.
Another problem is perhaps lack of parenting skills, which also has to be addressed.
The fact is that parents are busy with their careers and are not able to spend quality time with their children, and the result is thousands of children are left in the care of foreign maids, baby-sitters and, in some cases, relatives.
Children return from school to empty homes as both of their parents are out at work.
There is no one around to show parental love and teach and inculcate in the children good family values.
Since their parents are not around to give them guidance, these children may turn to their peers, good or bad.
Parents must be prepared to make an effort to spend quality time with their children. They need parental love in order to understand and appreciate love and family ties later in their lives.
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 reinforcement to make the 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 takes place and results in a better standard of living, new problems such as a decline in human values and moral deterioration occur.
A massive programme of inculcating noble values is required at all levels for children, youths and teenagers to address the situation.
Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience, tolerance, honesty, honour and integrity need to be emphasised.
Building noble and universal values and strong families is key to a peaceful and stable community which will then lead to a strong, stable and united nation. TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE Kuala Lumpur