SYABAS DATIN SERI ROSMAH

33 ex-Mat Rempit 'graduate'

29 June 2010 - Bangi

                                   

A look at the 33 faces at the inaugural graduation ceremony of  the ‘Kem Belia Perkasa’ never the slightest give you a clue that these faces were that of former Mat Rempits.  Looking at the clean, smiling, youthful faces tells you that something is definitely RIGHT had happened.  Never can you imagine that the faces of Mat Rempits ‘fierce, haggard, unkempt hair, dirty fingers and an even dirtier language’ is now gone from the 33 young men.

The patron of the programme Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor presented the graduates with certificates as an acknowledgement of their completion of the three-month course during which time they went to 5 different camps in mental and physical strength building.

Two points in her speech that really touched me were;

1. 1.  That WE (by which I believe she meant ALL OF US and not just the organizers) don't give up hope on these mischievous youths.

1. 2.  That these youth must not be sent to prison where they will mix with criminals of all kinds. They will come out NOT corrected but maybe become even worse.

Youth especially those between the ages of 15 to the late twenties like challenges and are willing to take high risk in their activities.  For these youth it was motorcycles and I believe at this age it could be anything.  Motorcycle was just a medium that happened to be in their possession because they are easy to purchase and get.  As the nations progresses to higher income nations and if cars are affordable to any Tom, Dick and Harry then the car will be the medium.

We really hope that this programme become permanent and to include other problematic youth instead of just Mat Rempits.

SYABAS DATIN SERI.