Spare the rod and spoil the child

I’m sure many of us can relate to the issue – either we have been children who were subjected to caning as punishment from our parents or us as parents who still use the ‘rotan’ to instill some form of discipline in our children.

And as many of those who were the products of the 1970s', 80s' and even 90s' would recall, the ‘rotan’ was the ultimate disciplinary tool in many homes. Of course there were other ‘tool’s' used like belts, hangers and some even used sticks.

Even during my school days, we were constantly reminded of the ‘rotan’. The headmaster and usually the discipline teacher would walk around the school compound, with a cane in hand. And the boys I knew then who would receive caning on their buttocks quite regularly, would stuff a notebook or two inside their pants to minimise the pain.

The girls also cannot run away from the punishment. Female students were caned on their palms for disciplinary issues, usually. We didn’t dare to complain to our parents, for fear that it will invoke more beatings from home, at least in my case anyway.

Growing up, I have also seen homes of relatives and friends whose parents hang the ‘rotan’ in their living room. It’s a constant reminder to behave and practice good manners.

The size of the 'rotan' also plays a role. It normally reminds an individual of the amount of pain which could be inflicted once used. The general line was the thinner it was, the harder you cry.

But, of course, there is a need to draw the line. I believe the authorities need to step in cases of severe beatings, caning and abuse. But criminalising caning would not be the answer.

My father believes the caning and belting my siblings and I received as children helped turn us into who we are today. I cannot admit or deny the matter as everyone I know grew up the same, with the ‘rotan’. But looking at the children today at shopping malls, screaming and rolling on the floor, demanding that their parents buy them whatever that they had wanted, I can’t help but wonder if a ‘rotan’ would discipline them to behave.

When Rohani’s suggestion came forth and there were critics from many quarters, I casually asked my 57-year-old dad what he thought about it.

Without missing a beat, he said, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”