WITH reference to the reports, 'Why men stray' on Sunday and 'Errant dads don't pay up' (May 5), I agree with the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, that many social ills stem from irresponsible men.
I urge the Government to take a harsher stand against them. Most Asian cultures are skewed towards male chauvinism. Slightly over 50 years ago, it was still legal to have more than two wives in Singapore. We co-sponsor the irresponsible activities of errant fathers when public funds are used to help care for their families.
Why must taxpayers' money be used to indirectly fund the unjustifiable lifestyle of the irresponsible man? Marriage is considered sacred, yet it is less honoured than a commercial contract or academic certificate. Have you seen a marriage certificate framed up?
Breach of trust in commercial contracts exacts heavy penalties. By contrast, one seldom comes across similar considerations imposed on an unfaithful spouse.
Perhaps, marriages should incorporate a pre-nuptial contract which requires the man to fulfil his financial obligations to his family.
While society and government can help the less fortunate financially, nothing can replace the role of a father or mother in the family. Society can progress and move forward only when children are brought up in an environment that maximises their potential as good human beings.
As for men who blame biology and Mother Nature for their infidelity, and, like monkeys, are unable to control their irresponsible urges, I suggest we lock them in a zoo as their animal instincts are stronger than their human sense of duty and responsibility.
