Secret Game I Play with Daddy

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... if not embraced (child protection), humanity itself has committed a sin, a huge sin, an unfogiveable sin...

ecently I was privileged to have the opportunity to chat with the Chairman of Childline Malaysia, Encik Sabri Abdul Rahman. Sabri, who has children and grand children of his own, is very passionate about protecting children. This is something that should not be restricted to those very rare few like Sabri. In fact, this should be a wide spread pervasive attitude that we all must embrace. This is our responsibility. This is justice, be it in the name of God, religion or humanity. This is something, if not embraced, humanity itself has committed a sin, a huge sin, an unfogiveable sin. So what is Childline Malaysia? It is self explanatory in its function. Any child can call Childline Malaysia, not only to report any abuse, but also to have friendly chats with trained counsellors.

There have been many cases of child abuse that we read in newspapers recently. It is indeed shocking. The worst cases are those in places we think are safe for children. They (Children) are often unsafe in the safest of places - home, school, neighbourhood. Nevermind the pleasant look of religious people, teachers, friends or family. The important thing is that when these trusted people abuse the child, the child has the confidence and are well informed to express their feelings. If not, they will grow with the trauma that shapes an unhealthy charactered human being.

To touch your (readers) heart, I would like to share a true story with names altered to not reveal the true identities. Have a read (below). If you don't physically cry, deep down inside your heart, you'd feel the injustice:

Secret Game I Play with Daddy

"Ring! ring!" the phone rang. Mrs Lim picked up the phone, "Hello!, who's this?".

The voice on the phone said "This is Teacher Rebecca. Madam, I have bad news. I think you'll have to come over to the school (kindergarten). Your daughter, Stephanie, has been behaving strangely. In fact, inappropriately. We cannot tolerate what she is doing".

"Huh? How can that be? Steph is a good girl. She never does bad things. We (Mr and Mrs Lim) have always reminded her of good moral values and religion. She listens to us. She is a sweet angel!. I don't believe you!". Mrs Lim was feeling very annoyed.

Teacher Rebecca felt frustrated and said "Madam, it is very difficult for me to explain to you. You ought to come to the school now. Please Madam".

"Ok, ok, I will... " and Mrs Lim slammed the phone.

Mrs Lim drove to the school during lunch time from her office. Teacher Rebecca greeted her politely and asked her to observe her daughter Stephanie from far. She (Mrs Lim) was so shocked to witness a weird behaviour by her daughter, Stephanie. Stephanie, a 6 year old girl, was going around holding the penis of boys in the school. Everytime that happened, a teacher from the school would pull her (Stephanie) away from those boys.

"Oh Jesus, what on Earth is happening?", cried Mrs Lim.

"Madam, I think you should take your daughter home and have a slow talk", Teacher Rebecca then left Mrs Lim on her own.

Mrs Lim took her daughter away from the class room and drove her home. In the car, she (Mrs Lim), said in a very soft and concerned intonation, "Steph honey, please listen to Mummy carefully. What you did back then at school today is not appropriate. Remember what Mummy said about being a good girl? and how God will be angry and punish us when we do wrong things?"

"Yes Mummy", innocent Stephanie answered.

"Okay, so you understand yes? What you did just now is very bad and you cannot do it again okay? Mummy and Daddy and God will be very angry. Teachers will be angry and all your friends at school will also be angry", Mrs Lim continue driving thinking where she has done wrong in her daughter's upbringing.

Then, with a full bazooka explosion hit to Mrs Lim's heart, Stephanie said "... but Mummy, how did you know about it? About the game of holding the magical stick? It was supposed to be a secret. A secret game that I play with Daddy when you are at work late at night....."

Please all, I beg you, do justice. Teach your children, nieces, nephews or any child that you know. Teach them to not be afraid to talk. Teach them that there are avenues to report. Teach them the existence of Childline Malaysia at www.childlinemalaysia.com.my. Teach them to call Childline Malaysia at 15999.

"Even one child (being abused) is way too many ....." quotation by Sabri Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Childline Malaysia

* kopihangtuah



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