I refer to FMT’s ‘Abused tahfiz student Thaqif dies’ (April 26, 2017).

Yes, we are all Mohamad Thaqif Amin Mohd Gaddafi’s parents. Words cannot describe the sadness and hurt that hundreds of thousands of Malaysians and I feel. It is tragic that 11-year-old Thaqif is no more with us.

There are so many questions that need answers. Investigations must be done without fear, favour, in a transparent manner and with accountability, following a strict compliance of protocol.

Like others, I cannot but cry out that this form of heinous crime and tragedy must never happen again in Malaysia.

I dread to imagine what pain, suffering and anguish this student underwent. His legs were amputated due to alleged physical abuse by an assistant warden at a religious school in Johor Baru.

Like others, I pray for the God’s healing and blessings upon his father, Mohd Gaddafi Mat Karim, 43, at the premature loss of his son.

I have always believed that as parents, we should never outlive our children as that would be a rather traumatic experience.

I am certain that the police, led by the no-nonsense IGP, with the assistance of our medical experts from the health ministry, will get to the bottom of this tragedy, leaving no room for speculation, defamation, or truth to be swept under the carpet.

A crime has been committed, a life has been lost and there must be justice.

The truth must prevail and if there is foul play, then the wheels of justice must turn speedily so that justice is done, sending a warning to others who have a duty of care to watch over our children.

This child, who was in a comatose state, had his legs amputated after the blood cells and tissues were destroyed by bacterial infection.

His right hand had also turned black due to the same infection while blood clots appeared on his left shoulder.

What is sad is that this child had in his diary, reportedly detailed his sufferings at the school and prayed his parents would allow him to be transferred from the religious school. However, it never happened.

Worst, the school assistant warden, who is the epicentre of this investigation, is a convicted felon who served 15 months in jail for theft. This must not end with him. The administration and others in the system must also be made accountable.

There is no time for spin, pretence, hypocrisy or pussy footing on what is expected to be initiated in all schools in Malaysia.

Schools must play an essential role in protecting children from abuse. Those who are employed at schools must have close, regular contact with children and young people.

They must be individuals who have an academic and track record and love children to:

• identify child protection concerns early,
• provide help and support,
• help children understand how to stay safe from abuse,
• not cover up when a situation arises, but refer the child to relevant agencies.

We cannot and should not pretend to be puritans.

Schools have a statutory duty to protect children in their care. They must have a child protection policy, child protection procedures, a designated lead for child protection – both on the board of trustees and in the senior management team and safe recruitment processes.

The school environment must be a safe place for children and so schools must ensure that adults who work in the school, including volunteers, do not pose a risk to children, directly or indirectly.

There should be comprehensive background checks done before someone is employed. This includes with the police, who are always ready and willing to help assist.

Staff should receive training on how to identify and respond to child protection concerns.

All schools should create a whole school ethos that makes it clear to children that if they have a problem, however big or small, they can talk to a staff member.

The ways to do this can include:

• displaying posters signposting children to services that might be able to help them if they are worried
• using “Feedbacks/Worry boxes” – which are either placed in the classroom or around the building. If a child is feeling unsure about approaching an adult, this can be a good way for them to share their worries,
• having visiting child safety advocates provides an environment to encouraging children to post questions and help third parties identify issues that may be worrying a child,
• peer mentoring where children may be more likely to disclose abuse to a friend or peer. If a school has a peer mentoring scheme in operation, mentors will need to be taught how to respond and be aware of the importance of passing concerns to an adult as soon as possible.

In many circumstances in Malaysia, we have a situation where we have failed to assure our children that when they disclose abuse or other needs, they will be believed, and those teaching will demonstrate time and patience to understand and help the child to understand that disclosure is a process rather than a one-off event.

That those who drive this will with honesty and clarity share the process and uphold confidentiality and gain the children’s trust.

That they are committed and dedicated to support and intervene to help those who suffer to recover.

It is also pertinent that school boards and administration make certain that they have entrenched child protection protocols and procedures if a child discloses that he or she has been abused.

If there is an attempt by the board or the administration to cover up, there should be a process that will facilitate whistleblowing to the relevant authorities.

This is why, I have always encouraged school policymakers to have multi-agency meetings with education policymakers, healthcare and child protection advocates and the police.

It is now all our prayer that by this tragic death, a way would be found to put forward a process in our schools and places of instruction that protect the rights, interests and safety of children.

Malaysia cannot afford another Thaqif.

Jacob George is the president of Consumer Association Of Subang & Shah Alam, Selangor.

With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s (or organisation’s) personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.