KUCHING: Vice-chairman of Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for greater efforts by the government under the 11th Malaysia Plan to enhance social development based on noble values to strengthen human capabilities, and the role of the family institution in achieving a balanced society.
According to him, the success of Malaysia depended not only on economics, science and information communication technology but also on how we can build a society which is morally, spiritually and mentally strong and healthy.
“This can be a bulwark against the many social and moral issues besieging society. Our nation’s future depends on a strong and cohesive moral foundation.
“Despite the many accomplishments, the social progress of our society is still lagging behind. It’s 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 statement yesterday.
Lee pointed out that serious crime rates, unresolved drug menace, corruption in the public and private sectors, indiscipline in schools and the culture of violence all point to a 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’s important for Malaysia to balance rapid economic growth with moral and societal values.”
He cited social ills as symptoms of an unhappy society.
“Many factors have been blamed for causing social ills, including the lack of parental supervision, lack of moral education, urbanisation and delinquent behaviour of teenagers.
“The time has come for us as a nation to improve the quality of life of Malaysians and address the negative trends head-on before the situation deteriorates,” he said, adding that there was a dire need for counselling programmes for the family institution and the promotion of noble values.
Lee noted that 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 social ills that affect teenagers.
“Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and instill in their children basic moral values to build the foundation for a strong, stable and cohesive society.
“What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation,” he remarked.
With the world today confronted with a “very disturbing phenomenon”, Lee said wherever modernisation and economic development take place and result in a higher standard of living, new problems such as decline in human values and moral degradation will emerge.
To arrest the decline, a massive programme of inculcating values is required at all levels for children, youths and teenagers.
“We need noble values for the Nation’s Programme. Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, truth, responsibility, ethics, honour and integrity need to be emphasised and promoted.
“Noble values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will lead to a strong and stable nation. The need for these has never been greater than today,” he pointed out.