THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IS TOO FORGIVING!

Parents say sorry over surau vandalism

SEREMBAN: The parents of four teenagers detained for allegedly vandalising a surau in Taman Pulai Impian near here have apologised to its committee and Muslims over their children’s actions.

In a special meeting organised by the Negri Sembilan MCA at the surau yesterday, the parents of the youngsters, aged between 16 and 18, issued personal apologies to the committee members. They also expressed their regret to Muslims and everyone who were offended by their children’s actions.

They said their children’s behaviour was a result of ignorance and that they didn’t mean to incite racial sentiments.

To me, this is a load of BS.....16-18 years old ignorant of the fragility of race relations....if they did not mean to incite racial sentiments, why use beer bottles.....these are all PREMEDITATED and planned to the T....and all these in this Ramadan month! Its unforgivable.

I congratulate the Police for apprehending these culprits.

Trader Cheng Kok Foo, 38, was hopeful that the Muslim community would forgive the youngsters for their irresponsible act.

Thank God good sense prevailed for now......for now.

“It is wrong to defile a place of worship and I am so sorry that the children acted without thinking,” he said.

How sure you are that they "acted without thinking"? If these 16-18 years old acted without thinking, the parents are wanting!

His sentiments were echoed by carpenter Wong Seow Wai, 43, who was shocked when the police showed up at his home to arrest his son.

“We had no idea that our son and his friends were involved. I hope the children will be released early and given a second chance,” he said.

Released early? They should be remanded until we know who is the leader, how they planned the desecration of the place of worship, were others involved, the whole works!

Housewife Leong Foong Kuen, 53, said she hoped that the committee would forgive her 18-year-old son for his immature behaviour.

Mechanic Loh Teck Ai, 53, the father of the youngest suspect, said he was saddened by the children’s actions.

“I hope the Muslim community will find it in their hearts to forgive them,” he said.

Forgiving is easy, but forgetting is hard, believe me.

Full of regret: Parents of the four teenagers Wong (left), Cheng (second from left), Loh (second from right) and Leong (right) tendering their apologies to Mohd Hasbi (fourth from left) while Dr Yeow (third from left) looks on. — Bernama

These four cannot be let off just because their parents said sorry and the muslim community thru En Mohd Hasbi are forgiving. The full force of the law must be used as a deterrent. If whipping is enforced, well and good. If detention is part of the punitive process, better still. If it comes to none of the above, they should do community service for a year......keep the surau clean.....their punishment must be equated with the gravity of their blatant misdemeanor. As for the parents, a fine should be imposed. Their actions and those of the children after this must prove that they regret their irresponsible tryst. No kid gloves please.....we can't afford these insanity to fester.