No Charges Against Nurin's Parents?

That's what I've understood from a statement today by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Although he was not specific, I have taken it to mean that no charges will be made against Jazimin Abdul Jalil and Norazian Bistaman for alleged negligence resulting in the brutal murder of their eight year-old daughter, Nurin Jazlin.

Comforting. If that's what he meant. Read the Bernama story here.

Here's part of what he also said:
"Negligence generally is a serious issue as we want parents to be responsible for their children. For as long as they are under-age, they are under the responsibility of their parents, so it's most important that parents ensure they are constantly under supervision so that nothing untoward happens that can lead to injury and so on."

I agree with the PM's (and the Umno supreme council's) view that Rukun Tetangga watch in neighbourhoods be intensified.
But, er.... is this not an old, very old suggestion by oh-so many quarters? Still, I'm pleased it was mentioned.

But, he remarked that "RT patrols alone would not be sufficient without the cooperation of everyone, especially the parents themselves in looking after the safety of their children."

And here's the message to us all:
"Everyone must carry out their own responsibility instead of merely depending on the police in order to eliminate this threat."

Sigh, sigh, sigh. I agree but somehow I detect a tone suggesting that we have not been responsible enough and have been depending too much on the police. That's why we cannot eliminate "this threat".

On another note, I would like to thank my friends in Bernama for this brave news report - "Many Disagree With The Proposal to Charge Parents of Missing Children".
Clearly, the editors there are as taken aback by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's wish to go after parents of missing children, starting with Nurin's parents.
Those interviewed by Bernama wanted Shahrizat to define the meaning of "negligence" to avoid parents being victimised.
The Minister's proposal will have negative effects on society, they said.
I so agree.

New clues.
Meanwhile, Selangor Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar says DNA tests on hair strands found on Nurin's body will be known this week. The findings will give police new clues, he said. Read the Bernama report here.
I hope it doesn't turn out to be another false hope. Last Thursday, the IGP said the cops were closing in on the killer and would make an arrest soon.