The question in a letter
to the editor is pertinent in the light of the most recent cases of
kidnapping that has been in the news. The most widely publicised is
of course the kidnapping of the Dutch schoolboy, Nayati Shamelin
Moodliar and after him, the victim was a Datuk. The latest we presume
would be a missing schoolboy in Kedah. The last paragraph of the
letter encapsulates what is happening at the moment.
“It has become a trend for kidnappers
to stake out international schools for children who come from rich
homes. Rich tycoons are also becoming targets.”
Then the writer asked what happens to
children from ordinary homes like the boy from Kedah if he is indeed
kidnapped?
That is the six million dollar question
that should be on our minds, the ordinary folks. We are not in the
upper strata of society but kidnappings happen in our income bracket
too. Why? That is for the kidnappers to answer.
We have seen movies and heard stories
about children being kidnapped and sent to neighbouring countries to
be beggars. Would that be the fate of the boy or any number of
unsolved kidnapping victims that occurred in the past? I hope not but
how will the parents face the coming days without their son.
Children has always been the most
vulnerable part of our society. The younger ones would not know any
better if a stranger approaches them and wants to take them for a joy
ride. Some parents do emphasise to their children the golden rule of
not talking to strangers but sometimes the young forget what has been
thought. Some of us have become quite paranoid and would not let
their children go anywhere without an adult. I guess
this would come under the better safe than sorry adage.
Yes, times have certainly changed and
we can't imagine just sauntering along the side walk near our homes
without a care in the world. There will always be that jittery
feeling that we must be alert all the time for any possible mishaps.
When and where do we actually feel totally at ease?
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