26/08/2025

TUESDAY | AUG 26, 2025

11

Posters don’t stop bullies, actions do A WARENESS campaigns are the adult version of “I’ll start my diet on Monday”. We keep promising Awareness campaign? 10/10; Action? 0/10 Awareness = procrastination with rules. Seatbelts became normal not through jingles but fines. Polio did not vanish thanks to hashtags but because people rolled up their sleeves and took the vaccine.

down the ayam goreng and walking further than the fridge. Awareness is a shiny “Stop Bullying” poster. Action is the teacher hauling Badrul out by the ear: “Boy, sit down before I use this rotan as WiFi antenna and live-stream your nonsense.” Awareness is like nasi lemak kosong , without sambal . Action is the pedas that wakes you up. Do more Awareness looks good on mugs, makes catchy hashtags, maybe even gets you a selfie with a YB. But action? It saves lives. So next time someone chirps, “We need more awareness”, tell them: “No darling, what we need is fewer posters, fewer hashtags and more people actually doing something.” Now, excuse me, I have got to go bully my cholesterol into behaving. Azura Abas is the associate editor of theSun. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

accountability and spine. Recycling campaigns? Mascots made of papier-mâché dancing in malls, influencers hugging dustbins. You have “Be Clean, Be Green” slogans, yet open any bin and you will still find banana peels spooning with plastic bottles like Romeo and Juliet. Road safety? We have all seen the ads with dramatic music and flying motorbikes. And yet abang motor still wears his helmet on his elbow – as if the elbow is the organ at risk. What next? Knee pads on the forehead? Stop dreaming of instant magic, people. Of course, real change is boring; it could make your cat file for bankruptcy just to feel something. Planting trees is not sexy, filing complaints is tiring, sorting your trash is inconvenient and standing up to a bully is uncomfortable. But history shows boring action works. Smoking did not decline because of “World No Tobacco Day” selfies; it declined because of taxes, bans and

graphic design. This is why endless awareness drives annoy this Makcik . They make us feel like something has been A K solved when all we have really done is order new bunting. Imagine a doctor saying: “Sir, you have cancer. I recommend an awareness ribbon.” That is not treatment; that is procrastination with graphic design. Awareness is easy. Retweet a poster? Hero. Wear a ribbon? Activist. Join a walkathon? Saint. Meanwhile, nothing changes. Bullies don’t stop because of posters. Selfish politicians don’t resign because of hashtags. Rivers don’t clean themselves because of colouring contests. The unsexy hero What works? Action. The unsexy stuff: policies, enforcement and consequences. We need: 0 Parents who admit their little angel sometimes moonlights as Satan in school uniform; 0 HR that serves justice, not Marie biscuits; and 0 Schools that face bullies head-on, not hide them under rugs like bad decor. That is how you stop bullying, not with balloons and hashtags, but with B A S mechanisms 0 Compensation packages should not only cover monetary value but also provide options for resettlement, relocation assistance or priority access to new housing within the redeveloped project. 0 Affected small businesses and traders should be offered relocation plans and assistance to continue their operations. 4. Sustainability and inclusivity 0 Urban renewal must align with sustainable development goals – incorporating green spaces, public amenities and affordable housing. 0 Redevelopment should not result in gentrification that forces out long-term residents. Instead, it must create inclusive neighbourhoods where diverse groups can continue to live and thrive. 5. Independent oversight 0 An independent body should be established to oversee the implementation of the Urban Renewal Act, to ensure fairness, prevent abuse of power and maintain public trust. In conclusion, urban renewal should not merely be about buildings; it must be about people. The new law must embody fairness, transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that redevelopment is truly a win-win outcome for all. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Kuala Lumpur M C I K 3. Fair compensation

action but end up printing posters instead. Bullying? Roll out a banner. Road safety? Launch a hashtag. Climate change? Invite a sweaty panda mascot to dance at a mall.

D

E

T

A

So why do we keep circling back to awareness? Because it is safe, pretty and comes with free curry puffs at launches. Real action is messy, controversial and unpopular. Nobody claps when you discipline a bully but they will clap for a poster that says “Love, Not Hate”. Well, clap all you want. Posters don’t stop punches. What next? Here is my proposal: the next time a ministry, school or HR department wants to “raise awareness”, ask: “Awareness, then what?” If there is no plan, policy, enforcement or punishment, then save the money, cancel the bunting and just hand everyone curry puffs. At least we are not pretending. Awareness is knowing your cholesterol is high. Action is putting

N

I

R

A

M

B

Y

A

Z

A

U

R

A

Meanwhile, the only real change is in the quality of the free curry puffs at the launch event. The truth? Awareness is not the problem. You know it, your Makcik knows it, even your cat – judging by its judgy glare – knows it. The real gap is not awareness; it is action. Every year, schools, ministries and HR departments roll out glossy “Stop Bullying” campaigns. Posters go up: “Bullying Hurts”. Someone organises a colouring contest. Teachers squeeze one sad PowerPoint slide into a lesson – and that is it. Yet in the classroom, Badrul is still pushing Amar’s head into the toilet while the teacher develops a sudden passion for essay-marking. It is no better at work. Companies love declaring, “We take bullying seriously”. Oh really? Then why is your corporate Darth Vader still yelling at interns, cc’ing the entire office in humiliating emails and gaslighting colleagues until they doubt their own name? THE proposed Urban Renewal Bill, tabled in Parliament, has the potential to reshape our cities and towns for future generations. If done right, it can revitalise neglected urban areas, spur economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents. However, the law must strike a fair balance between the interests of all stakeholders – landowners, tenants, developers and the government. Key principles that should guide this bill include: 1. Fairness to landowners and tenants 0 Landowners should receive fair and transparent compensation when their properties are acquired for redevelopment. 0 Tenants, many of whom have lived in these areas for decades, must also be fairly treated. Their rights, livelihoods and access to affordable housing should not be sacrificed in the name of development. 2. Transparency and accountability 0 All redevelopment proposals must be assessed through an open and transparent process. 0 Clear criteria should be established to evaluate whether a project genuinely benefits the community, rather than only serving narrow commercial interests. 0 Public consultation should be made mandatory so that the voices of affected residents are heard before decisions are finalised. LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

COMMENT by Alicia Philip

Behind every profession is an educator “TEACHING is the one profession that creates all other professions.”This age-old adage speaks volumes about the profound impact educators have on the world.

If teaching shapes all other professions, then educators are the architects of the future. They don’t just impart academic knowledge; they also mould the attitudes, values and behaviours that shape the future generation. Educators are more than just knowledge carriers; they are influential role models. From early education to tertiary studies, educators often leave a lasting impact that goes far beyond the classroom. Students look up to them, often emulating their actions, behaviours and mannerisms. As such, educators are not just teachers; they are also motivators, shaping how students approach life. To be effective role models, educators must act with intention and remain aware of their behaviours and attitudes, knowing they are constantly being observed. The values they adopt and practise are often mirrored in their students’ actions and behaviours. Educators should lead by example. If they expect students to behave a certain way, it is only right that they model those same standards. For example, if punctuality is valued, educators should arrive on time. If they require timely submissions, they should also return graded work promptly. The saying “Do as I say, not as I do” does not hold up in the classroom. Students are keen observers and quickly notice any gap between what is taught and what is practised. When educators fail to “walk the talk,” the resulting hypocrisy can erode trust and respect, leaving students disillusioned and seeking role models elsewhere. Consistency between an educator’s words and actions is critical to maintaining credibility and

Rebuilding cities with fairness, vision

Educators are more than just knowledge carriers; they are influential role models who profoundly affect the lives of their students. – PIC COURTESY OF YAYASAN HASANAH

are inevitable. The key is continuous reflection and a commitment to self improvement. Educators must remain mindful of their behaviour, constantly striving to improve, recognising that their actions profoundly impact the learners they nurture. While it can be challenging to remain mindful of one’s actions at all times, the rewards are immeasurable. Being an educator is a privilege – an opportunity to shape future leaders, thinkers and compassionate individuals. Educators do more than teach academics; they shape the values and behaviours that guide the next generation. Their actions speak louder than any lesson plan, making teaching a responsibility and an opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact beyond the classroom. Every educator has the power to influence not just what students learn but also who they become. Alicia Philip is a lecturer at the Languages and Communication Department, College of Continuing Education, Universiti Tenaga Nasional. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

fostering an environment of mutual respect. Respect is the cornerstone of effective teaching. In the classroom, students are not only gaining academic knowledge; they are also learning how to interact with others, manage behaviour and navigate challenges. Educators must therefore be mindful of their words and tone, consistently demonstrating respect for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. Harsh words, threats and intimidation have no place in the classroom. Discipline should be rooted in respect, not fear. As D.C. Tosteson aptly said, educators must recognise the value of the one thing they truly have – themselves. Everything else can be found in textbooks but the example set by the educator is irreplaceable. A student’s perception of how to navigate life, handle difficulties and show empathy is largely shaped by how educators conduct themselves. A good role model does more than teach; they leave a lasting impression on how students respond to adversity and overcome obstacles. It is important to remember that perfection is not the goal. Educators and students are fallible and mistakes