Kwek Jian Qiang emailed me an apology note for publication. I like his willingness to accept criticisms and learn from his mistakes:
“Hi guys, I’ve read through your comments and what I’ll like to say here is that: you’re right. I was indeed too naive, biased and too consumed by materialism.
However, what I’ll like to say was that this article was never meant to be a personal attack against ITE students, in fact, a few of my most inspiring friends and mentors hailed from ITE and up till today, I still cheirsh them for who they are. In fact, it was a teacher who came from ITE who motivated me to keep on improving and never give up on myself.
It was due to my jealousy and materialism that in my mind, I only saw the shiny buildings and all I could do is moan of why I cannot get to enjoy studying in such facilities, I was wrong.
To give an introduction about myself, I’m not a foreigner. In fact, I come from a low middle income bordering on poor. Everyday, I only have sufficient money to buy food, my notes as well as pay for my transport, and I never had the chance to own a lot of material goods that others get to enjoy. Hence, in me bred a sense of injustice, why do people have things I didn’t have, hence leading to this incident today.
Moreover, I was also brought up in an environment where grades are everything. Since young, people around me have been telling me that only good results will get me through in life, and that ITEs represent ‘Its The End’.
With such an incorrect mentality unchecked, I had incorrect stereotypes. As such, I’ll like to sincerely apologise for any insult or anger that anyone felt regarding what I have written.
Thank you for helping me to realise my mistake, thank you for helping set my moral compass right, thank you for helping me wake up.
I will repent and not commit to such mentalities again. Please do give me a chance to do so. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who had believed in me and I’ll like to show you that I can change.”
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I would daresay that this Student is responsible and that he deserves a second chance. =)
I do understand where he is coming from (his first letter) and I do agree with him on one point that some ITE students do not appreciate what they were given.
Some years back, the interior of the newly renovated school toilet was vandalized. The spanking new mirror and toilet bowl were deliberately smashed to smithereens with a motorcycle helmet.
I do not understand why would anyone want to do that? This is such a shame that they do not cherish what they were given.
This is coming from a ITE student.
Kwek Jian Qiang, so you want people to pity you now? Don't force me to rap about you.....
this is also coming from an ITE student.
Forgiveness and pity are two distinct concepts.
Is anyone going to question how could Today allow such an incendiary view be published? Youth are meant to try things out, the adults are supposed to be the check. Surely the editor would be sharp enough to choose less offensive posts. It seems as though the boy is not that culpable.
Let's be more forgiving. He already realize his mistakes and apologized for it.
And perhaps this saga is also a reminder to all of us (parents, educators, politicians, employers and general public) not to focus so much on grades. Character of a person is equally important
@gwl Why shouldn't his letter be published? He has a right to speak his mind, no matter how different his viewpoint might be. I'd rather the writer have a chance to say something, and be called out for it, than to have an 'editor' decide on my behalf what I should or should not see.
Censorship leads to an inability of people to think for themselves, with the result that civil discourse is lost.
Well from mistakes, you learnt. that's how you grow. Next time do take a step back to think hard before you act it out. Hope you have learnt from your mistake.
People, everyone deserve a chance. Let's be more forgiving.
From a progression student
mistakes and errors who doesn't make them?! and failures are but the pillar to success.....
there was once this statement: "when I make a mistake, I am the best lawyer; when others make a mistake, I am the best judge."
This letter reminds me of the 悔过书 many so-called leftists had to write during the Cultural Revolution. But ya Kwek sounds genuinely contrite, let's forgive him.