Spanish Song Dominates My TikTok

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28, 2025: I’m honestly overwhelmed by the amazing response to my video featuring Amira Syahira’s latest song, No Toques Mi Corazon.

For a Malaysian to compose and perform a song entirely in Spanish — that’s no small feat. What a talent!

As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct 28, my video has hit 100,000 views — a personal record — with 4,600 likes.

I can’t believe it! Looks like I’m catching a little wave of TikTok fame myself, thanks to this beautifully captivating Spanish song.

The comments have been pouring in, and I’m honestly so touched. Some fans have even reposted my video, while others have turned Amira’s song into their ringtone. And yes, I’ve joined the fun too — No Toques Mi Corazon is now my ringtone!

What amazes me most is how far this “Spanish fever” has spread. I’ve seen groups using her song for exercise routines, sharing their videos with so much energy and joy. A few TikTokers even tried lip-syncing or singing the song themselves. It’s like the whole world’s dancing to the same beat!

I also found out that Amira has been polishing her Spanish with her Latin fans and friends — she even has a WhatsApp group with them! No wonder her pronunciation sounds so natural. One fan commented that her Spanish sounded just like a native speaker’s — and I couldn’t agree more.

Of course, there are always skeptics. Some Malaysians insisted that it couldn’t be her, that it must be AI. But come on — if it were AI, would her song really reach #18 on iTunes Malaysia? That’s pure talent, not technology.

A Little About Amira Syahira

Nur Amira Syahira Azizul Abidin, born on April 25, 2003, in Penang, is a talented drummer, musician, host, singer, and actress. She’s now making her mark on the international stage, especially through her achievements in the Hit Like A Girl Contest and her growing YouTube following.

What’s truly inspiring is how she started. Amira began playing drums at just eight years old — completely self-taught. She learned everything online, watching tutorials on YouT

ube without a teacher or formal music lessons.

From there, she began recording drum covers and sharing them online, picking up techniques from some of the best drummers around the world.

And now, years later, she’s evolved from a little girl with a drum kit to a confident young artiste breaking language and cultural barriers with her Spanish single, No Toques Mi Corazon.

Reflections

Every time I listen to this song, I feel a quiet sense of pride. Watching a Malaysian artiste like Amira push boundaries and captivate the world — it reminds me that passion knows no language.

As I scroll through the countless comments and videos inspired by her song, I realise that creativity connects us in ways we never expect.

Maybe that’s the magic of music — it speaks directly to the heart, no matter where you come from or what language you speak. ❤

Of Love, Loss, and a Cat Named Oyen

After losing so much, I found companionship in the gentlest soul — and he never once left my side.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26, 2025: I’ve never really considered myself an active TikToker — I don’t go on Live, and I’m not chasing trends or fame. But I do enjoy creating little videos of my everyday life — my makan-makan outings with friends and family, and the beautiful places I’ve travelled to. My favourite clips are always about food — those irresistible dishes that make each trip memorable.

Recently, I reached the 1K follower mark since my first post in September 2024. I’m not sure if that’s something to be proud of, as it’s been a slow, steady climb — perhaps because I post for joy, not for numbers. For me, TikTok feels more like a personal diary — a space to capture memories that matter.

Among my videos are photos of my late siblings — all of whom have passed on. I was the third in a family of five, and now I’m the only one left. Maybe that’s why companionship feels even more precious these days.

And that brings me to Oyen.

It’s been almost three years since Oyen came into my life. He was only four months old when my former part-time maid brought him over, knowing how much I missed my previous cat, Putih — a beautiful

white Persian who passed away at the age of ten due to health complications.

From the moment Oyen arrived, he brought warmth and laughter back into my home. With his thick golden-brown fur, hazel eyes, short chubby legs, and long tail, Oyen is truly one of a kind. He’s friendly with my guests, playful when in the mood, and adorably grumpy during his nap times.

Earlier this year, one of my TikTok videos of Oyen unexpectedly went viral — over 14.1K views! It was a lovely surprise and a reminder of how many cat lovers out there share the same affection and joy these furry friends bring.

Oyen is an indoor cat and was neutered shortly after I adopted him. Besides caring for him, I also feed stray and neighbourhood cats twice a day — and lately, two little kittens that have found shelter behind my house. I sometimes feel sorry that Oyen can’t join them outdoors, but for health reasons — and on my vet’s advice — he must stay inside, as he’s prone to flea allergies.

Still, Oyen never lets me feel alone. Every evening, he waits by the door when I return home — his eyes lighting up as if to say, “Welcome back.” In his quiet way, he fills my days with warmth and companionship.

Oyen isn’t just my pet — he’s family, my loyal companion, and truly, my best friend.

Shut Out of Their Parents Children’s Lives

Time may age their hands, but it should never fade our love.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26, 2025: There’s an old story about a couple who carried their frail, bedridden father into the forest — not to seek peace for him, but to leave him behind.

They placed him gently in a basket, their hearts heavy with guilt. As they turned to leave, their young son asked if he could bring the basket home. When they asked why, he replied softly, “So that I can use it to carry you here when you grow old.”

Shaken by the child’s innocent words, the couple quickly brought their father back home.

That story may sound like something from a distant past, yet its message still echoes in our world today. We may no longer leave our parents in the forest, but many are being left behind in quieter, more modern ways — in old folks’ homes, far from the warmth of family and the laughter they once lived for.

We tell ourselves it’s for their comfort — that professionals can care for them better, that they’ll have company among their peers. But deep down, we know what they truly long for: not comfort or luxury, but closeness. The sound of familiar voices, the laughter of grandchildren, the warmth of being needed and remembered.

Many of these parents have spent a lifetime working, providing, and sacrificing so that their children could live better lives.

Now, in their twilight years, all they ask for is to spend their remaining days surrounded by the love they once gave so freely. Yet modern life often moves too fast — chasing success, comfort, and convenience — leaving little room for tenderness or time.

Sending them away may ease our schedules, but it silently erodes something sacred: the bond that once made us who we are. True care is not measured by how comfortable their beds are, but by how often they feel our presence beside them.

Perhaps it’s time we remember that love is not about ease; it’s about effort. Visiting often, listening with patience, holding their hands — these are simple acts that carry the weight of gratitude. Because one day, the roles will change, and we, too, will wait for footsteps that may or may not come home.

Before time takes them from our sight, let love bring us back to their side.

Gunung Liang: Adventure Turned Tragedy

Because reaching the peak should never cost a life.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25, 2025: The death of 34-year-old hiker Mustaqqeem Mansoor on Gunung Liang has left a deep mark on Malaysia’s hiking community. What began as an adventure turned into tragedy — and a national conversation about safety, empathy, and shared responsibility in the outdoors.

Reports said Mustaqqeem, an experienced climber, suffered muscle cramps and later died of hypothermia during a multi-day trek from Bukit Fraser, Pahang, to Gunung Liang, Perak.

His death sparked anger among the public, with many blaming the guides for not doing enough, and others questioning the group’s decision-making. His companions later denied abandoning him, saying they climbed back up to search when they realised he was missing.

Safety Must Be More Than a Checklist

The authorities — from the Forestry Department to mountain guide associations — must take this as a wake-up call. Outdoor safety can’t depend on luck or experience alone.

• Each expedition should have mandatory safety briefings.

• Emergency protocols and check-ins must be made clear.

• All registered guides should receive proper training in first aid, weather assessment, and crisis management.

Safety isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about ensuring that every climber who starts a journey also makes it home.

Guides Are Leaders, Not Just Navigators

The suspension of the two guides involved should not just be punitive but educational. It’s time to review the ethics and standards of mountain guiding in Malaysia. Being a guide means more than knowing the trail — it means understanding people, reading distress, and leading with empathy.

Empathy in the Wild

Too often, hikers are driven by the thrill of reaching the peak. But adventure is never a race. The true spirit of hiking lies in shared humanity — in waiting for the slowest, helping the injured, and valuing safety over pride.

The mountain doesn’t care who reaches first; what matters is that everyone returns together.

Learning from Loss

Mustaqqeem’s story should remind us that nature commands respect — not conquest. Perhaps this tragedy can spark a culture shift, where outdoor adventure is paired with preparation, compassion, and humility.

Because no summit, no photo, and no achievement is worth more than a life.

The mountain teaches us many things — but above all, it reminds us that the greatest climb is learning to care for one another.

When Does Good Manners Begin?

What a viral wedding video says about modern parenting.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25, 2025: At what age should manners and etiquette be taught to children?

It’s a question that lingers in my mind every time I witness scenes of kids running wild in public places — at restaurants, malls, even at friends’ homes — while parents look on as if such behaviour is normal or harmless.

But should it be?

Earlier this year, a viral incident reminded us how early lessons in manners can (and should) begin.

When Play Turns Into Chaos

In April, a video circulated on social media showing a child accidentally knocking down an entire wedding dais (pelamin) during a ceremony, leaving the bride visibly upset.

What made the story worse was that the child’s mother later turned the moment into a joke on TikTok — laughing it off instead of treating it as a learning moment.

In her explanation, the mother said she hadn’t expected her child to act that way. She was taking photos of the bride when her child ran onto the stage to play with friends. One of them sat on a sofa, and in the next moment, the sofa — and the entire backdrop — came crashing down.

More Than Just a Mishap

Yes, accidents happen. Children are naturally curious and energetic. But there’s a fine line between innocent play and disruptive behaviour — especially in public or formal settings.

Teaching manners isn’t about scolding or strict control; it’s about helping children understand boundaries, empathy, and respect for others’ spaces. These are lessons that should start as early as two or three years old, long before school begins.

Simple habits — saying “thank you,” waiting one’s turn, not interrupting adults, keeping voices low in public, and respecting other people’s belongings — form the foundation of good character.

And these lessons begin not in classrooms, but at home.

Children Reflect Their Parents

When a child misbehaves, it’s often a reflection not of bad intent, but of what they’ve been taught — or not taught. As parents or adults, how we respond matters. Laughing off bad behaviour teaches children that their actions carry no consequences.

Correcting them gently, explaining why something is wrong, and modelling good behaviour ourselves teach far more lasting lessons.

Respect, empathy, and self-awareness don’t grow overnight — they are nurtured, little by little, every day.

A Gentle Reminder

So the next time your child plays a little too roughly, speaks out of turn, or runs wild at someone else’s event — pause and guide them. Because manners aren’t about perfection; they’re about awareness.

And awareness begins the moment a child starts to understand the world — which is much earlier than most of us think.

Should UPSR and PT3 Make a Comeback?

As talk grows about bringing back UPSR and PT3, I can’t help but wonder — are we really missing the exams, or the sense of direction and discipline they once gave our children?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24, 2025 — Calls to reinstate UPSR and PT3 reveal more than nostalgia for exam-based learning — they reflect a growing unease about where our education system is heading.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre of Education and Diversity senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad believes that bringing back the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and the Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) could help restore balance to the national education system.

He said that after seven years, the implementation of the classroom-based assessment (PBD) has not been as successful as hoped.

“My support for the return of UPSR and PT3 is not because centralised exams are the best assessment method. It is because I can no longer rely on the unclear direction and effectiveness of PBD implementation,” he was quoted as saying recently.

Anuar’s remarks echo what many parents and teachers quietly feel: that classroom-based assessment, though well-intentioned, hasn’t yet delivered the consistency or confidence it promised.

Exams were never perfect, but they provided structure, accountability, and a shared sense of progress. Without them, some believe we’ve lost the discipline and direction that once guided both students and schools.

Still, the debate shouldn’t just be about bringing back exams. The rise in school violence and behavioural issues points to something deeper — a loss of values, empathy, and engagement. Education reform should not only measure knowledge but nurture character.

Perhaps the goal isn’t to bring back old exams, but to bring back what they once stood for — effort, focus, and a shared journey toward something better.

When Kindness Fades, Cruelty Finds a Way In

As stories of school bullying continue to surface, the tragedy of Zara Qairina reminds us that behind every act of cruelty lies a deeper wound — and that healing must begin with empathy, both at home and in school.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24, 2025: Zara Qairina’s story broke many hearts — a young girl with dreams, gone too soon.

Her death didn’t just spark outrage; it forced us to confront a painful truth about what’s happening in our schools and, perhaps, in our homes.

Bullying doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows quietly in environments where empathy is not taught, where discipline feels outdated, and where being cruel can sometimes seem easier than being kind.

When children don’t feel heard, loved, or guided, they can end up inflicting the same hurt they carry inside.

Maybe that’s what we’re really seeing — not just bullies, but brokenness.

In today’s world, where social media rewards attention over empathy, young people often confuse power with popularity. And when adults look away or dismiss signs of cruelty as “kids being kids,” the cycle continues.

What schools need now isn’t just stricter rules or viral campaigns. They need space for conversations about feelings, respect, and boundaries.

Teachers need the time and tools to notice quiet suffering. Parents need to ask, not just how their children are doing in exams, but how they are doing inside.

Because healing starts at home, and compassion begins with example.

If we want to stop bullying, we must teach our children — by words and by action — that strength is never about making others small.

The government’s recent push for safer schools, including proposals like restricting smartphone use, is a step forward. But true change won’t come from policy alone — it will come when every parent, teacher, and student chooses empathy over apathy.

Teen Assaults and Smartphones: A Wake-Up Call for Malaysia

"The real danger isn’t the phone — it’s what we fail to teach before we hand it over."

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22, 2025: Recent incidents — both involving teenagers, sexual assault, and the misuse of mobile phones — point to deep-rooted social and moral issues that go far beyond isolated acts of misconduct.

What These Incidents Reveal

1. Moral and Emotional Detachment

That such acts were not only committed but recorded speaks volumes about the loss of empathy and awareness among today’s youth. Filming the assault reflects not just cruelty but a dangerous normalisation of humiliation — fuelled by online exposure to explicit content and the pursuit of validation through social media.

2. Breakdown of Parental and Institutional Oversight

Parents and teachers are often unaware of what students are exposed to online or how they use their devices. Easy access to smartphones without guidance has blurred the line between healthy digital engagement and harmful behaviour.

3. Peer Pressure and Toxic Masculinity

The group nature of these crimes suggests the power of peer influence and a distorted sense of masculinity. Without proper sex education or moral grounding, respect and consent become foreign concepts — replaced by dominance and ego.

4. Failure of Early Intervention

Warning signs like violent behaviour, bullying, or early exposure to pornography are too often missed. Many schools lack trained counsellors or systems to identify and support at-risk students before problems escalate.

What Has Gone Wrong

Digital access has outpaced moral development. Teens may own smartphones, but emotional maturity and supervision lag behind.

Sex and respect remain taboo topics. With adults silent, many teens turn to the internet for answers — often with damaging consequences.

Reactive, not preventive, systems. We act only after tragedy strikes, rather than fostering moral and digital literacy early on.

• Weak community involvement. The responsibility for shaping young minds cannot rest solely with schools; it must be shared by parents, communities, and faith institutions.

Possible Solutions

1. Digital and Moral Education from an Early Age

Introduce digital citizenship and values-based learning in schools — teaching not just how to use technology, but how to use it responsibly and compassionately.

2. Stronger Parental Monitoring and Support

Parents should set clear boundaries for phone use, use parental controls wisely, and maintain open conversations about peer influence and online risks.

3. Comprehensive Sex and Consent Education

Young people need honest, age-appropriate discussions about consent, respect, and emotional intelligence — free from shame or taboo.

4. Early Counselling and Behavioural Intervention Equip schools with trained counsellors who can identify emotional distress, aggression, or deviant behaviour before harm occurs.

5. Community-Based Awareness Campaigns

Engage religious, civic, and community leaders to reinforce values of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility beyond the classroom.

6. Regulated Smartphone Policies in Schools

Support policies limiting smartphone use during school hours — ensuring focus, safety, and social interaction — while keeping digital learning accessible through supervised devices.

A Deeper Reflection

These cases are not merely about technology or crime; they are a mirror reflecting our collective failure to guide and ground our youth. The tragedy lies not only in the acts themselves but in the silence and apathy that allowed such behaviour to grow unchecked.

To rebuild, Malaysia must look beyond punishment toward prevention — through education, empathy, and genuine engagement.

The real danger isn’t the phone — it’s what we fail to teach before we hand it over.

School Smartphone Ban: Sensible Step, Tough Execution

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21, 2025: Lately, stories of school fights, bullying, and violent acts among students have flooded the news. It’s worrying — and the government’s latest move to tackle it has reignited debate among parents, teachers, and the public alike.

Let’s be honest — the idea of banning smartphones for students under 16 is long overdue. We’ve seen how social media, online games, and toxic digital trends are shaping young minds in ways that teachers and parents can barely keep up with.

If phones are fuelling distraction, bullying, and even violent behaviour, then yes — something drastic needs to be done.

But here’s the catch: banning phones won’t magically fix what’s broken. The real problem isn’t the device — it’s how we use it, and how little guidance kids get about digital responsibility. Take away their phones, and they’ll just find another screen to escape to at home.

Instead of treating smartphones as the enemy, we should teach children to manage them wisely. Restrict phone use during school hours, yes — but also empower students to understand what’s harmful online. And parents? They need to step up too. School violence doesn’t start with a phone; it starts with behaviour that’s left unchecked at home.

So while I support the government’s move, it must go beyond control to education. Otherwise, we’re just silencing the symptom — not curing the cause.

Perhaps this proposal will mark a turning point — if it pushes us to look deeper at what our children really need: guidance, empathy, and stronger family engagement. Technology is part of the world they live in; the challenge is teaching them to use it, not be ruled by it.

Are Malaysians Turning into Keyboard Warriors?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21, 2025: These days, going viral in Malaysia often means bracing yourself for a flood of insults. What was meant to be a platform for sharing ideas and creativity has, in many cases, turned into a battleground of harsh words. Why has outrage become our national pastime online?

In recent months, it seems almost every viral video or breaking news story in Malaysia sparks an avalanche of online comments. From celebrity scandals to school bullying cases caught on TikTok, the reactions come swiftly — and often harshly. Within hours, posts rack up thousands of comments, many of them laced with insults, mockery, or even threats.

This begs the question: Are we becoming a nation of keyboard warriors?

The Rise of Keyboard Warriors

In Malaysia, the term ‘keyboard warrior’ has become part of everyday conversation. It refers to those who unleash fiery comments from behind their screens — bold and aggressive online, but often silent in real life.

The ease of creating anonymous accounts makes it simple for anyone to hurl accusations or profanities without consequence. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter) are hotspots for this behaviour, with trending hashtags often dominated by outrage.

Why Malaysians Are Quick to Outrage

Several factors explain why online anger catches fire so quickly here:

• Cultural behaviour: Malaysians are naturally expressive and communal. When one person voices outrage, others quickly rally behind, creating a snowball effect.

• Algorithm factor: Social media platforms reward emotional content. The angrier or more shocking the reaction, the more likely it is to spread.

• Distrust in institutions: For some, venting online feels like the only way to demand accountability when official channels seem slow or ineffective.

The Dark Side of Outrage

While online outrage can sometimes highlight real issues, it often comes with dangerous side effects:

• Cyberbullying: Victims of mass online shaming can suffer anxiety, depression, or long-term trauma.

• Trial by social media: Individuals are “cancelled” before the full facts are even established.

• Spillover into real life: What begins as online hate can escalate into harassment, stalking,or even physical violence.

Do We Need Stricter Controls?

Malaysia already has laws under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) and the Penal Code that cover offensive or threatening content. But enforcement is inconsistent, and many abusers hide behind fake or disposable accounts.

This has sparked debate over whether Malaysia should adopt specific anti-cyberbullying laws, as seen in countries like Singapore and Australia. Stricter penalties could deter offenders, but critics warn of over-regulation that might curb free speech.

What Malaysians Can Do Differently

Regulations alone will not solve the problem. Real change must also come from how we use social media:

• Pause before posting: Ask — is this helpful, fair, or necessary?

• Check facts: Don’t join the outrage bandwagon without confirming the truth.

• Show empathy: Use platforms to encourage, educate, or inspire — not to tear others down.

• Promote kindness campaigns: NGOs, schools, and influencers can play a bigger role in shaping healthier digital culture.

The Choice is Ours

So, are we becoming a nation of keyboard warriors? Perhaps. But that doesn’t mean it has to define us. Social media is a powerful tool — it can hold people accountable, but it can just as easily destroy lives when outrage spirals into abuse.

The choice is ours. Malaysians must decide whether to fuel anger or foster empathy online. Because in the end, the way we behave on social media is a reflection of who we are as a society.

And maybe the question isn’t whether we’re keyboard warriors — but whether we’re ready to be true digital citizens instead.

Likes, Shares… and Insults: The New Face of Online Culture

"Social media in Malaysia is getting more toxic, with insults and cyberbullying becoming the norm. What’s driving this trend, and how can we fix it? Discover solutions through education, law, and empathy."

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20, 2025: Scroll through TikTok and you’ll see it everywhere: harsh words, insults, and even cleverly disguised profanities. While a few netizens show sympathy, many more choose to attack. This toxic trend has become so common that it feels almost unstoppable.

Why It’s a Problem

Anonymity online makes people bolder — and crueler. What’s worse, negativity spreads faster than kindness. The more toxic the comments, the more the algorithm rewards them, amplifying the abuse. Victims are left vulnerable, while society slowly normalises this behaviour.

What Needs to Change

• Teach digital responsibility: Schools and parents must guide young people to be respectful and empathetic online.

• Enforce the law: Abusive content falls under the Communications and Multimedia Act, but stricter action is needed.

• Hold platforms accountable: Social media companies should crack down on disguised curse words and penalise repeat offenders.

• Promote kindness: Influencers and campaigns can shift the culture, proving that positivity can go viral too.

Final Thought

The way we behave online reflects who we are as a society. If we allow cruelty to dominate, we risk raising a generation that sees disrespect as normal. It’s time to change the trend — with education, accountability, and empathy.

Parental Role in School Violence — How Much to Blame?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18, 2025: Every time I read about another case of school violence — whether it’s bullying, sexual assault, or the recent fatal stabbing — I find myself asking the same question: where are the parents?

I know how much weight that question carries. Parents are the first teachers. It’s at home where children first learn respect, empathy, and boundaries. When young people cross dangerous lines in school, it feels like a reflection of what they did or didn’t absorb at home.

But I also believe the truth isn’t that simple. Parents do hold responsibility, yes — but they don’t carry it alone. Schools play a role when supervision is weak or when red flags go unnoticed.

Society shapes behaviour too: the violent content on social media, the way peers glorify aggression, and the silence around issues like consent and boundaries. These things seep into young minds in ways parents can’t always control.

What I see is a circle of responsibility. Families, schools, and society are all part of it. Parents can’t expect teachers to fix everything. Teachers can’t discipline without support from families. And society can’t keep pointing fingers while ignoring systemic failures — from inadequate counselling in schools to the culture of covering up misconduct.

So are parents at fault? Partly, yes. But not entirely. Maybe the better question is: how do we share responsibility so our children feel safe — not just in classrooms, but in life?

Because in the end, violence in schools isn’t just about the kids who commit it. It’s about the adults — parents, teachers, leaders — who either show them a better way or let them stumble in the dark.

Do We Really Need the Cane Back in Schools?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18, 2025: The recent spate of violent incidents in Malaysian schools — from bullying and sexual assault to the tragic stabbing of a teenage girl — has understandably shaken public confidence in what should be safe learning spaces. In the heat of this crisis, some voices are calling for the return of the cane, a throwback to an era when fear of punishment supposedly kept students in line.

But let’s pause for a moment. Is the cane really the answer, or just a reflex from a time gone by?

Yes, schools are struggling with discipline. Yes, students today face pressures we could hardly imagine — social media toxicity, fractured family dynamics, peer influence, and an often overwhelming academic environment. But does striking a child solve any of that? At best, it suppresses behaviour temporarily. At worst, it normalises violence as a tool of control.

Corporal punishment does not teach respect; it teaches fear. It does not instil empathy, responsibility, or moral grounding — the very qualities we desperately need in our young people. If anything, it risks reinforcing the same cycle of aggression we are now so alarmed to see.

What Malaysia’s schools need is not the return of the cane, but the courage to embrace deeper reforms. Values and character education, meaningful counselling, safe reporting systems, parental engagement, and stronger teacher training are not “soft” solutions. They are the hard work of building a generation that understands boundaries, respect, and empathy.

The urgency is real — but not for the cane. The urgency is for us to stop mistaking punishment for discipline, and start teaching our children what it means to live together with respect.

Are Gadgets the Root of School Violence?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18, 2025: The recent rise in violent incidents among students has reignited debate on whether gadgets and smartphones should be banned in schools.

On one side, educators and parents argue that mobile phones are a distraction, fuelling cyberbullying and even becoming tools to record or spread violent acts.

“Smartphones can amplify aggression — what used to be a private fight now becomes viral content,” said one teacher.

Others caution against placing the blame entirely on gadgets. Education experts point out that violence often stems from deeper issues such as family stress, peer pressure, or lack of emotional support systems in schools. Phones, they argue, act more as triggers than root causes.

Parents, meanwhile, remain divided. Some see gadgets as essential for safety and learning, while others fear overexposure to harmful online content. “I want my child to have a phone in case of emergencies, but I also worry about misuse,” said a mother of two secondary school students.

Many suggest a middle ground: allowing gadgets with restrictions, strengthening digital literacy programmes, and prioritising counselling and character-building efforts. “The solution is not just banning phones — it’s teaching students how to use them responsibly,” said an education researcher.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: school violence cannot be solved by a ban alone. The challenge goes beyond gadgets — it lies in addressing the social, emotional, and cultural factors shaping young Malaysians today.

After 14 Years, I Write Again

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18, 2025: It’s been ages since I last poured my thoughts into this blog. My final entry, “No Winner in This Madness,” was written on Saturday, July 9, 2011. And now, after so many silent years, I feel compelled to write again.

Today, Oct 18, 2025, I reopen this space with a heavy heart. The recent reports of rape, brutal violence, even murder in Malaysian schools have shaken me to the core.

These are places that should be sanctuaries for our children — where they are meant to learn, laugh, and grow under the protection of teachers and the guidance of education.

Instead, they have become headlines of horror, leaving parents anxious, communities outraged, and the nation questioning what has gone so terribly wrong.

As a Malaysian, and as someone who has always believed in the power of education to shape character, I cannot remain silent.

This is not just about statistics or isolated cases — this is about lives shattered, trust broken, and futures stolen. And it forces us to confront difficult questions: Have we failed our children? Where did our values slip away? And more importantly, how do we rebuild a safer, kinder environment for the generations to come?