KUALA LUMPUR: In response to a surge in violent and criminal cases involving schoolchildren, Wanita MCA has proposed convening expert roundtables next year to push Malaysia to reassess its education and youth safety policies.
Its secretary-general Chan Quin Er said Wanita MCA must intensify efforts to tackle rising crime and violence among pupils and teenagers, with plans to bring together educators, psychologists and social experts for cross-sector dialogue.
The initiative aims to ensure that the government, schools and communities listen to young people, conduct in-depth research and use professional expertise and data to shape policy decisions.
"School murders, juvenile suicides and rising youth crime are not just news – they are alarms.
"When children express pain through death and anger through violence, the nation must stop and ask: where are we failing?" Chan said in her winding-up speech at the 17th Central Delegates' 3rd General Assembly at Wisma MCA on Saturday (Dec 6).
She said education must go beyond academic performance.
"Education is about character, values, social safety and the future of the nation. Wanita MCA will continue to protect Malaysia's next generation with women's intuition, maternal courage and leadership wisdom," she added.
Recent high-profile cases have heightened the sense of urgency.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of his 16-year-old schoolmate, Yap Shing Xuen, at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) in Petaling Jaya on Oct 14.
In another case, four 17-year-old male students were arrested and charged over the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in a classroom at a school in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Chan said these incidents reflect long-term neglect of the "essence of education" and family support.
"Children's behaviour mirrors society, and family struggles reveal gaps in our system. For over a decade, education has focused on exams and competition, but not on teaching children how to handle failure, understand emotions, resolve conflict or respect life.
"In the AI era, knowledge can be replaced – but not character," she said.
She also warned that families are under growing pressure.
"Dual-income households are stretched to the limit, parenting costs are rising, and children are left to the Internet and their peers. They may appear independent, but they are lonely. Every family carries the nation's future," she said.
Calling for systemic support, Chan stressed mothers and families cannot shoulder the burden alone.
"Women need resources, systems and social backing to shape the future – they cannot do it alone.
"Children are not individual projects; they are a national responsibility. When a child chooses to give up on life, all political achievements lose meaning," she said.
Chan also highlighted MCA's long-standing role in education.
"For 60 years, MCA has fought for education, enduring criticism and controversy. Our goal has never been just buildings, but opportunities for every child.
"In the past, we safeguarded the roots of Chinese education; in the future, we must protect the soul of Malaysia's education," she said.
