Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
SIBU: Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) has made a call for the country to further enhance its social capital to strengthen society.
According to its senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, despite many accomplishments, the social progress of our society is still lagging behind.
“It is time for us to address the country’s social capital. All Malaysians must take responsibility for the failing values and declining social standards prevalent today,” he said in a press statement here yesterday.
Lee added: “One important aspect of the 11th Malaysia Plan which should be addressed is to enhance social development based on noble values which can help strengthen human capabilities and the role of family institutions in achieving a balanced society.
“The success of our nation depends not only on economics, science, and information communication technology but also on how we can build a Malaysian society which is morally, spiritually and mentally strong and healthy.
“This can be a bulwark against the many social and moral issues besieging our society. Our nation’s future depends on a strong and cohesive moral foundation.”
He cited the serious crime rates, the unresolved drug menace, corruption in the public and private sectors, indiscipline in schools and the culture of violence to stress the urgent need to address the country’s social capital.
“Unless and until we succeed in boosting our social capital, no amount of economic development can strengthen our social fabric in the face of new challenges. This is why it is important for Malaysia to balance rapid economic growth with moral and societal values,” he remarked.
According to Lee, social ills are the symptoms of an unhappy society.
Hence, he felt: “The time has come for us, as a nation, to improve the quality of life Malaysians and address the negative trends head-on before the situation deteriorates.”
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing the society.
He stressed that 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.
Lee proposed a massive programme of inculcating values at all levels for children, youths and teenagers
Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, truth, responsibility, and honour
among others need to be emphasised.
“Strong human values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will then lead to a strong and stable nation.
“The need for these has never been greater than today,” Lee said.