Johor Bahru, March 21, 2025 – A father’s act of slapping his own child has sparked heated debates about the limits of discipline and the importance of respecting individual rights, especially within the family institution.
In a recent viral incident, an elderly man previously charged with slapping a non-Muslim youth at a convenience store was released without acquittal (DNAA) by the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court. The decision was made after the prosecution requested that the case be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.
The accused, Abdul Razak Ismail, 65, initially pleaded guilty to the charge read against him. However, the court decided to postpone the prosecution process for the time being.
Scars in Parents’ Hearts, Guilt on the Perpetrator’s Shoulders
This incident raises a bigger question: how would parents feel if their own child were slapped, regardless of who the perpetrator is?
A mother interviewed on the matter said, “As a mother, I cannot bear to see my child treated like this. Even if I were the one to slap him, my heart would ache—let alone if it were someone else. Physical wounds may heal, but emotional scars last a lifetime.”
A father added, “Slapping a child is not a way to teach them. If we ourselves lose patience, how can we raise a better generation?”
This story is not just about physical violence; it also touches on the moral and ethical principles of parenting.
Lesson: ‘Love Your Child, But with Limits’
A Malay proverb states, “Sayang anak tangan-tangankan, sayang bini tinggal-tinggalkan” (Loving a child requires discipline, just as love between spouses requires space). However, this should not be misinterpreted as advocating physical violence as a disciplinary tool. Instead, love should be expressed through guidance, not punishment.
In today’s modern society, parenting should be rooted in love, mutual respect, and open communication. Every individual, regardless of race or religion, deserves respect and protection from violence.
This case should serve as a lesson to all that violence is never the answer in any situation. A slap may take just a second, but its impact can last a lifetime.