Inculcate values from young
THE success of a nation does not depend solely on its skyscrapers, modern public amenities, high-tech industries, information technology or increased per capita income but also on its value system.
To achieve a truly civilised and cultured nation there must be social transformation in terms of changes in attitudes and value systems.
In this regard our youths and teenagers must be an integral part of this social transformation. They need to channel their energy into positive and constructive activities based on their individual interests.
Nurturing good family and noble values among youths amidst rapid modernisation and changes in lifestyle is a major challenge.
The aim of Vision 2020 is not only to make Malaysia a fully industrialised nation in the economic sense but also to ensure it is fully developed from all dimensions particularly the moral, ethical and caring aspects.
Civilisation and progress are not to be measured only by the gross domestic product and technological capacity. They are also measured by the development of the human conscience.
A caring society is one which attaches great importance to the development of the human being – one who is imbued with compassion, understanding, a sense of justice and a generous attitude.
We need to sensitise society and the community to play a role to address these social concerns. Members of our community should constantly look out for each other. The process of inculcation of all these values should begin with the home and continue in schools, universities and the workplace.
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.
A dilemma facing Malaysian parents today is how to strike a balance between their working career and nurturing their children. Another problem is also perhaps a lack of parenting skills which 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 with the result that thousands of urban children are left to the care of foreign maids, babysitters and in some cases, relatives.
Children who return from school find themselves in empty homes as both their parents are out at work. There is no one around to show parental love, teach and inculcate in the children good family values.
Instead of seeking guidance from parents these children do so from their peers. With negative peer pressure, an environment will exist which will eventually lead to various social ills.
If this problem is not addressed, it will result in a serious divide between children and parents and an increase in social problems and crime involving young people.
Parents must spend quality time with their children. and constantly take steps to instil in them 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 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 degradation occur.
To arrest the situation, a massive programme of inculcating values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, truth, responsibility and honour needs to be emphasised.
Strong human values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will lead to a strong and stable nation.
Civilisation and progress are also measured by the development of the human conscience.