An Unnecessary Tragedy

By Syed Akbar Ali


The news from The Star


Wednesday July 1, 2009


UTM student found dead after giving birth


JOHOR BARU: A Universiti Teknologi Malaysia student was found dead in her campus dormitory after she had given birth to a baby boy. The baby, whose umbilical cord was still attached to his mother, was also dead.

The 26-year-old fourth-year student, who was unmarried, was found in her dormitory by a warden around 5pm on Monday. Johor Baru (North) OCPD Asst Comm Ruslan Hassan said initial investigations revealed that the student, who was from Kelantan, had been dead for more than two days.

“We believe she died after giving birth. “However, we are not ruling out the possibility of a criminal element in her death,” he said.

He said the victim’s partner could be a fellow student.

“The bodies have been sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital for post-mortem,” he said. ACP Ruslan urged anyone with information to contact the police hotline at 07-2212 999or the nearest police station.



These are just the known cases. A needless death of a young mother and a child. When will people understand that life is precious? We have numerous cases of new born babies being discarded by their mothers. We must save lives and not cause their premature termination.



Obviously the young girl made a serious mistake. This will not be the last time we hear of such cases, not for some time yet. And where is the gallavanting hero? Probably absconded with the raisin muffins too.


The problem lies in the religious authorities constantly threatening to charge such girls in the religious court (obviously for committing adultery). On top of the overzealous religious prosecution there is also a great cultural stigma attached to an unmarried woman who begats a child - which cuts across most eastern cultures. In the west its no more such a big deal.


This is a difficult subject to handle. Not too long ago I met a YB with the initials 'JJ' (yes its him) who had plans to set up a sort of "half way house" - a special home - which will be discrete which will provide a place for unwed mothers to complete their pregnancies, deliver their babies and perhaps give them up for adoption if they want to. Away from prying eyes and kay-po-chees.


If we look at this objectively, this is not a major problem affecting mankind. Some may not even see it as a problem. If a young girl gets pregnant outside marriage, it is often very bruised egos and swallowed pride (especially for her family and friends). That is the real problem. It is the ego and the pride which often causes the tragedy.


I think the YB's idea is very good. More importantly the mindet of the people must change.


As I said this is not a major problem, because even in any overly "promiscuous" (for the lack of another word in my vocabulary) societies of the East and the West, or societies which may not frown so much upon such things, it is very rare for young girls to become pregnant outside marriage. And if it happens it is usually not planned. Which girl really wants to get pregnant without a legal father for her child? So this is not a major problem afflicting society.


Because it is not such a major problem, I believe we can handle it in a much better way. It is indeed a good idea to set up the 'half way houses' where unwed mothers who need help can go to get help. If they want to give up their babies for adoption, then there should be established channels to help them - minus the hassles or any prosecution.


Some outfits linked to the Christian churches have also set up channels to help young girls who face these problems. They handle the problem with much dignity and respect, especially towards the unwed mothers and their babies. Of course there is a proselytising angle to the love but so what? If it saves a life and provides a better future for someone then why not?



But most importantly the mindset must change inside every one of us. There is no need to look down or pandang serong towards any young girl who runs into this type of problem. It could really happen to anyone - our daughter, sister, cousin or whoever. More mercy is needed. Let us be kind to our fellow humans and things like this tragedy may not happen.