YOUR report “Thanks, but family first” (The Star, March 20) on STPM top scorer Chan Kok Fei has highlighted a very pertinent social issue.

Firstly, a brilliant 19-year-old is willing to sacrifice his ambition to do medicine by giving tuition to supplement the RM1,000 single income from his hawker father.

He puts family value first by honouring his parents and taking care of his two younger siblings. Secondly, he is concerned about the health of his mother who needs brain surgery as well as his father who has heart problems. The caring spirit is what we need to inculcate to our citizens.

And thirdly, he does not indulge in self-pity; instead focusing in his alternative part-time Business Administration degree in Sinagpore.

He is optimistic and confident of his future direction. This attitude of self-reliance should be emulated by our youths, in particular.

Lastly, he is not greedy nor selfish. He urged donors and well-wishers to extend their assistance to other needy people as well.

In a highly competitive society, his big-hearted gesture is a clear stream in murky water. All in all, Chan Kok Fei epitomises the ideals of civilisation. He is a gem of our society and the hope of our younger generation.

I believe our government agencies and the public can address this social issue from two aspects.

Our elected representatives and the relevant welfare or health authorities should be proactive to look into the medical and financial needs of the parents. Aren’t we a caring society?

Kok Fei, on the other hand, should be left free to pursue his elected studies, whether medicine or business administration with the appropriate scholarship. I am sure that no matter which career path Kok Fei embarks upon, he is an asset to our nation and humanity at large.

FOO HL,
Ipoh.

Source: The Star – March 27, 2008