Goodbye, beloved Thaqif

Professor Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
My View - The Sun Daily
May 2, 2017

MY dear brother Thaqif,

This outpouring may be too late for you now that you have left us. Our apologies for this neglect and tardiness. We seem to be very “busy” nowadays that we do not really have time to look into “small” things involving “small” people. That is, not until something unpleasant has happened; often when it involves the loss of lives. Even then sometimes it is because of guilt rather than “genuine” concern.

We mourn your unexpected demise at the very tender age of 11. You had a whole future to look forward to as the nation talks about TN50 and all its promises for you and your generation. In this regard your parents had the foresight to put you in a school that has the values to make you a responsible person whom Malaysia can be proud of. We got a glimpse of this from the “notes” that you left behind. What fine thoughts you penned for us to remember you by.

Unfortunately, we are often let down by the system and the gatekeepers who do not seem to adhere to the same values. They seem to overlook things that are vital to education and the link to health and love is an essential part of it. They are quick to discipline the students even for the slightest “wrong” in the most “inappropriate” way.

Ironically, they are almost blind to their own indiscipline and abuses that lead to other tragedies including creating life-threatening situations. Yours, regrettably, is just one of many similar cases highlighted so far this year. If only we adults were more sincere in carrying out our responsibilities to the younger generations, namely to nurture, engage and empower, which is what education is all about.

You must know that we as adults have our own weaknesses that often impinge on your world and that of your generation. We often use cliches that you are the future “leaders” of this country but we seldom treat you like one. Leaders are to be nurtured with compassion and empathy, but somehow we find punishment more convenient and handy. The so-called SOP is nothing more than Sloppy Operations and Practices. Where have we gone wrong?

But then if you hire the “wrong” adults as the gatekeepers to manage education then the children become vulnerable targets for abuse, including sexual ones.

I was wondering, as in your case, what early warning systems do we adopt (if at all) before things get out of hand. Moving forward there are already clear indications that mental health and suicide cases are also fast increasing. Have we done anything about them substantively beyond the usual blah, blah, blah. How do we nip them in the bud before they become another heartwrenching episode? Will these be part of the TN50 discussion?

So dear Thaqif, in many ways your passing away is very untimely – if only the system was more rigorous.

It is indeed very commendable that your parents have chosen not to assign blame to anybody. That does not, however, mean the whole episode is blame-free. That your case has been reclassified as murder says volumes about the whole “scandal”.

It demands an answer to instil the much-needed discipline again not just for the students but the entire system especially the gatekeepers and those who put them there. They must be held accountable.

This is the promise we owe to you and must see it accomplished so that your experience is the last of its kind. You have been cast in the role of a “sacrificial lamb” in the sense that others after you would not have to suffer the same fate.

For that unselfish gesture and more we pray that the Almighty showers you and your parents with all blessings.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to your loved ones and empathise with them over such an incident. We pray that those responsible for the smooth running of the system will find it in their hearts and conscience to reflect deeply on what must be immediately rectified. And vow that it should never be repeated for the sake of the future of this country beyond TN50.

Goodbye, beloved Thaqif. Rest in peace. May God bless.