By Tay Tian Yan

"Why do people hate you?" asked 9-year-old boy Terence Scott, of President of the United States Barack Obama.

Mama mia, what a classical question! Even famous news anchors like Barbara Walters would not ask the President such a straightforward question.

The consequences would certainly not be good if the question was asked by someone else. It might cause all kinds of accusations, including a racist, extreme right-wing member and misanthropist.

However, young Scott was a black, it was impossible for him to refuse a black President. He was only nine years old, he was too young to be a misanthropist. An extreme right-wing member? Perhaps, he could still unable to distinguish left and right.

He just knew that many people do not like Obama and they always criticise the President. And in the context of his experience, it was difficult to understand, as from the religious education, God is merciful. People are supposed to love, not to hate others.

Please do not doubt Scott, it was an angel's question, which was innocent and simple.

Of course, it was as well the success of democratic education. A few days ago, I watched a television programme and saw the boy who took picture with Mao Zedong 60 years ago. The boy has grown to a white-haired old man (the Cultural Revolution had accelerated his ageing). He still bore in mind the Chairman's "grace" of taking the picture with him.

If a child in China asked a similar question, China would have definitely become a powerful country.

Obama's answer was not interesting, he just said: "I did get elected president, so not everybody hates me now."

If Obama was wiser, he should have replied: "Yes, many people hate me because I've done not good enough. I've disappointed many of those who supported me in the past.

"I'm deeply sorry but I promise all the people, particularly those who hate me, that I'll work harder to fulfil my responsibilities and bring you a better United States, so that everybody will be happier.

"If I fail to make it, please spurn me in the next elections and vote for a better President."

Of course, Obama did not say so. Therefore, there was a reason why some people hate him.

However, at least Obama did not order the media not to report the news. He also did not order an investigation on the school boy's background or instruct the Education Ministry to blacklist the boy, barring him from entering any university.

On the other hand, MCA politicians have recently created a chaotic situation. The people condemn party President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, former Deputy President and Deputy President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Those who have been condemned were discontented, accusing that others are up to no good. They claim that they have been manipulated.

They may ask themselves in a silent night: "Why do people hate me?"

Therefore, there was no motive or hidden agenda behind his question. It was not meant to overthrow the President either.

--Sinchew Daily/ANN