Caught between victims of sex crimes and the flying car

I was stunned by de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong’s disclosure in Parliament that out of 3,738 cases of sex crimes against children, only 1,131 offenders were convicted. That is less than 50% of the sexual abuse heaped upon the innocent children of our country.

Liew gave numerous reasons as to why it was difficult to get convictions.

Some of the reasons are acceptable. But one reason is totally unacceptable by any standards.

Liew said that at times a video recording of a testimony by a child could not be done as the equipment was faulty! Please tell me anything but don’t tell me that.

Where does the government’s priorities lie in running this country? Are flying cars more important than the welfare of our children?

How much does it take to replace faulty recording equipment that is so essential for justice to be met and accorded to our young innocent victims?

Even if the government opted to replace this faulty equipment with new and better ones, I am sure it cannot cost as much as the launching of a flying car.
It can’t be a fraction of the amount involved in launching the third national car.

If as the government of the day, you are genuinely concerned about the well being of your citizens and their children, surely you must know what must be done to enhance the quality of life your people desire, the standards of security your people want and the peace of mind they hope for.

What type of leaders have we elected to run our country when you cannot even achieve a quorum in Parliament where bills have to be discussed, debated upon and passed?

Where are our MPs when you need them most to speak up for us?

If our MPs – whose salaries are borne by us taxpayers – choose to be absent from the Dewan Rakyat, what future does this country hold for us?

Maybe it is glamorous to be an elected representative but it is a hollow image when you do nothing for the people.

Based on what Liew said, one wonders where else is faulty equipment being deployed in the public service sector.

Hopefully, it is not found in hospitals because that would be a real disaster!

There is nothing to be gained when competing with your neighbouring countries on how advanced you have become.

Sure, you might feel triumphant and give yourself a pat on the back. But your real triumph is when the people who have stood by you all these years are given their just reward and the quality of their lives is improved by leaps and bounds.

Clement Stanley is an FMT reader.