THE behaviour of the youth who taunted and beat up smaller foreign workers to practise his martial arts skills is, indeed, shocking and not in keeping with a civilised society like Singapore's ("Teen gets 10 days in detention for beating up worker"; Tuesday).
We should never condone or tolerate such behaviour. The punishment that has been doled out reminds us that no one can abuse the rights of another or take advantage of one weaker than himself.
Foreign workers, be they working in our offices, construction sites or in our homes, are also contributors to the development and progress of Singapore.
We need to treat them with respect and kindness, and not as a "mat" to be trampled upon.
We cannot compromise their welfare, interests and safety, nor can we take these lightly.
Foreign workers, like the rest of us, have the right to live, earn a living and enjoy the space around them.
We must continue to build upon the legacy of our founding fathers: A society that practises and thrives on fairness, civic-mindedness, inclusiveness and opportunity for all.
Seah Seng Choon
President
Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training
