I AGREE with C.H. Gallop’s views (”Caning and that healthy fear factor” - NST, Dec 21) that there is nothing wrong with instilling a little fear among children to reduce indiscipline in school.

During my secondary school days in the 1980s, erring students were subjected to a public caning before an assembly.

All of us had a healthy fear of our teachers, and we were certainly well-disciplined.

Unfortunately, public caning was abolished by the Education Ministry some years ago, so the “healthy-fear” factor has disappeared, along with respect for teachers.

I think the ministry should urgently review the situation and bring back public caning to schools.

TAN YAP LUN, Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Source: NST – January 14, 2008