Daily Lesson from Life 01 May 2009

"Son kills father in bid to save mum from beating
He was killed when his 24-year-old son threw a brick at his head. -Fri, May 01, 2009 The Star/Asia News Network

Malaysia: HE WAS only trying to save his mother from the wrath of his father but ended up killing the man instead.

In a front-page report in Harian Metro, Idris Awang, 45, was killed when his 24-year-old son threw a brick at his head at Kampung Kubang Leret in Pokok Sena, Alor Star, on Wednesday.

In the 2am incident, Idris suffered severe injuries to the right side of his head and was taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital by his first son. He died at 9am.


According to wife Roshidah Awang, 51, Idris was angry that his third son Mohd Sobri was out loitering with friends. He went out looking for him but failed to find him. Idris vented his frustration against his wife by beating her.

The second son, who was at home, tried to stop the beating by hurling the brick at his father."

I seemed to stumble over tragic news more often that I like! This death is senseless and tragic.

Lessons for me are:

1. never raise your hands against fellow female human being, much less your spouse! This is simply not acceptable for a man to hit a woman! Walked away. Left the 'crime' scence that triggered your anger!;

2. at the most stressful of time, we need to communicate effectively. The 3rd son was loitering with his friends without the mum's consent or knowledge or whatever. That does not warrant one to fly off the handle and into a rage! Exercise self-control is critical here;

3. expect the unexpected when you used violence. The flying brick probably did not meant to kill but it did. When the abuser is out of control, the neutral or the mediating party must be in control re: calming yourself down through deliberate acts like walk away for a minute or two, taking deep breath and recite positive thoughts in your head for 5 minutes! Avoid violence at all cost! You never know what will happen!!

May the son who accidentally killed his father be given counselling help and put him back to productive life as he is still young!