SHAH ALAM, Oct 15 — State executive councillor for women's empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari has emphasised the importance of fulfilling parental responsibilities in educating children to develop attitudes of respect and tolerance in their daily lives.
She said that parents should instil community values in their children so that they do not act aggressively or impulsively, leading to criminal incidents such as taking another person’s life.
“Our society must collectively take responsibility to restore these values, especially among our children.
“We need to teach our children to respect and tolerate others, even when their wants or desires are not fulfilled,” Anfaal told Media Selangor when contacted.
She was commenting on the incident at a secondary school in Bandar Utama yesterday morning, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old female student.
Anfaal added that students' diverse backgrounds lead to differences in thinking and rational behaviour. However, parents must play an active role in teaching their children to appreciate and embrace differences within society.
A close relationship between parents and children should be nurtured from an early age to create a safe space for them to share their life experiences or problems comfortably.
She also suggested that the Social Welfare Department and the Selangor Education Department collaborate to address the trauma that students at the affected school have experienced.
In the 9.30am incident yesterday, a 14-year-old male teenager allegedly followed the 16-year-old victim into the girls’ toilet before stabbing her.
She was found with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
