|
KUDOS TO BOYS'
BRIGADE 2nd PENANG COMPANY
If one were to read the newspapers or listen to the news over the radio or
television we would definitely learn of the ever growing issue of social ills
among our youths.
Although a lot has been done by our Government like setting up youth
training programmes such as the Rakan Muda and other uniformed organisations,
most youths ignore such programmes and almost always they end up a failure.
I frequently use the bus to get around in Penang and, believe me, it is
difficult to see young persons offering their seats to the elderly or to others
who need them more than they do. Looking at this situation almost always
disappoints me because we Malaysian are noted for our caring attitude.
However, two recent incidents changed my views about the attitude of
youths. The first incident took place about three weeks ago when I took
the bus from Jalan Burmah. The bus was not packed and I managed to find a
seat at the back.
When the bus came to the next stop, an old woman with a basketful of
groceries got on. As she looked for a place to sit, a young boy two seats
in front of me promptly got up and offered his seat to her.
I was pleasantly surprised by his attitude. At the back of his
T-shirt was printed 2nd Penang Company, The Boys' Brigade In Malaysia.
What surprised me was that almost half of the seats in the bus were taken up by
young people who refused to help the old lady.
I would like to congratulate the Boys' Brigade as well as the 2nd Penang
Company for producing such a fine and exemplary young man who would have
definitely put the other young people on the bus to shame.
The second incident happened just last week. I had gone to the bank
to withdraw some money, and was on my way to the One Stop shopping centre by
bus.
Behind me were a group of five to six boys. I rang the bell to get
down at my destination and was about to cross the road, when tow boys from the
group in the bus came up to me and gave me my wallet which I had dropped on the
bus seat. I thanked both the boys and guess what, they were members of the
2nd Penang Company.
I was never a member of the Boys' Brigade but I understand that it is a
uniformed organisation which is similar to the Scouts and Cadets. However,
what I wish to state here is that the Boys' Brigade ensures that its members put
into practice what has been taught by their officers.
Once again, I'd like to congratulate 2nd Penang Company on your members
who are definitely a great example to other young people in the State and I hope
that other uniformed organisations can follow the example set by the brigade
members.
Abdul Razak Mohammed Jalil
Penang
(Extracted from 'Letters to the Editor',
New Straits Times, 10th December 1997)
|