Malaysia: Parents Can Be Charged for Child Negligence

If your child goes missing or is hurt/abused, not only will the perpetrator be punished, but the child's parents will also be held accountable and could be jailed.

According to the Star's article title Parents can be charged, "parents could be hauled up for negligence following her death – an offence punishable under Child Act 2001, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz."

Is this law fair? Are parents supposed to know where their children are 24 hours a day?

Yes, parents are supposed to know where their children are most of the time. But parents cannot be with their children 24 hours a day. For example, being a good parent, I employ a maid to take care of my children. And assuming that the maid has been with me for 2 years and then she disappears with my child, will I be held responsible for my child's disappearance?

I admit that this law is needed as I have seen little kids in shopping malls walking on their own, their parents not to be seen anywhere. If this kid goes missing, then his/her parents should be held responsible. But you can't punish the parents of a child who take the school bus to school and goes missing!

So, before any action is taken on the parents in the Star report, I hope the ministers and especially the judges, will consider all the above scenarios in order not to make a fool of themselves by taking immediate action without considering the consequences. The above law should be applied with care and due diligence, not hastily, as we Malaysians typically do.

48 Interesting Facts About Malaysia

In 1957, 50 years from today, on August 31st, TUNKU Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia's Independence from the British. This i a well known fact.

But did you know that, TUNKU Abdul Rahman first announced the date of Malaya's Independence at Padang Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir, Malacca, on Feb 20, 1956 - one year before!

Read about this and more at 48 Interesting Facts About Malaysia

Visit Malaysia Year 2007

2007 is Visit Malaysia Year. She's 50 years old this year and she's being honored with a year long celebration.

Come and visit Malaysia.

How Malaysians & British Speak English.

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater in your size
but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.

Malaysians: No Stock.

RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments
ago?

Malaysians: Hello, who page?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?

Malaysians: S-kew me

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.

Malaysians:No-need, lah.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter
through this door?

Malaysians: (pointing the door) can ar?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.

Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.

Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.

Malaysians: Don't want la...

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're
coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the
issue.

Malaysians: You mad, ah?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I'm trying to
concentrate over here.

Malaysians: Shut up lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time ... Do I
know you?

Malaysians: See what, see what?


WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.

Malaysians: Die-lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?

Malaysians: Wat happen Why like that....

WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it ... here let me show you

Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!!!!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me

Malaysians:Celaka u