News of the seven orang asli children missing from school since Aug 23 has gripped the nation with anxiety. Two out of the seven children were found safe on Friday.
It was a miracle that the two children survived but one cannot imagine how the other five had suffered and perished. Angry and shocked Malaysians are today asking why a missing incident that had happened on Aug 23 could have ended in this tragic manner.
The public want answers and the government must set up an independent committee into the tragic episode. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib must leave no stone unturned in finding out the truth.
There are a few key and fundamental issues , among others, which must be looked into.
Firstly, as revealed by a parent among those who had gone to lodge a report with Suhakam on Sept 15, why had the authorities had been slow to act, as the police only started searching for the children five days after they went missing.
Secondly, why had the school not immediately informed the parents about the missing incident as a parent said on Sept 15 that until then, none of the teachers had gone to them officially to inform them of the missing children?
Thirdly, the parents had also highlighted their r dissatisfaction on the treatment of their children. In the report lodged with Suhakam, various aspects such as discrimination against the children, forced assimilation as well as the schoolโs responsibility in causing the loss of the seven children were covered.
In the Star today, it was reported that International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustaffa Mohamamd said that as many as 470 people from various agencies and NGOs had been involved in the search for the children since Aug 23.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Ahmad Jazlan was reported to refute allegations that the authorities were not serious or responsible in the search.
The best answer to such allegations will be total transparency and accountability. The Prime Minister must set up an independent committee of inquiry into the tragedy to find out the real truth.
Those who have been found to be negligent or irresponsible in causing the tragedy should be punished.