YOURSAY 'It takes a woman to show the men how to apologise. The problem with the men is that they have too much pride to even do so.'

Principal apologises to students during assembly

Vijay47: It is true that "sorry" is often the hardest thing to say. In Malaysia, we suffer a monumental dearth of those with honesty and dignity enough to stand up and say, "I have done wrong. Please forgive me."

While to err is human, this truth is so difficult to witness and on the contrary, we invariably see especially politicians and government officers so filled with arrogance that they continue to insist that even if what they did was wrong, the fact that a person of their stature did it is sufficient to colour their action white. When did we last see somebody openly admit their fault and express their regret?

Let us not delve further into the present issue, let us not bay for blood. SMK Alam Megah principal Yati Dani has said she is sorry. So be it, let us move on in the hope that this simple act of contrition augurs a new start of those in positions of responsibility to at least acknowledge a mistake even if they failed to not do it.

To Puan Yati Dani, let us in turn wish her and family Selamat Hari Raya.

Lvbala: The HM has done what she was supposed to do. She has expressed her disappointment to all Malaysians and to the students as well.

Indeed, the hardest thing to do is to pray for your enemy. This was said in many Hindu Puranas.

She has done her part. It's up to us not to behave in a barbaric way. Go after Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin and make police reports against him.

Jagara: I admire and congratulate Yati Dani. It is definitely not easy for a principal to make an apology in front of the students in the manner she did.

Her apology should be accepted wholeheartedly and the incident should be put behind us. How nice if those horrid Umno politicians like Noh Omar would learn from this honourable principal.

Malaysian Born: You know what, I really respect this woman. She made a mistake and she stepped up and did the right thing.

In this day and age of politicians who sell their integrity and their electorate to feather their nests and political aspirations and civil servants who have been warped and contaminated by their masters, it is refreshing to see an example of someone exercising actual accountability in the Malaysian context.

What an amazing treat it would be and how significant it is to the country's well-being if politicians were to exercise the same discipline.

What Yati did was actually quite unacceptable but the very fact that she has acknowledged that it was a mistake and sincerely apologised in public makes it a non-issue and the individual in question someone of value.

YF: It takes a woman to show the men how to apologise. The problem with the men is that they have too much pride to even do so and use lies to cover up their racist and elitist agenda. Even that ‘lembu minister' can learn from this humble HM (headmaster).

AnakJohor: In these irrational times, Yati Dani showed us the way forward. All of us have made mistakes and said things we shouldn't have said and often times don't mean.

It takes great courage and humility for her to stand before her students to apologise unreservedly. You have our forgiveness and utmost respect. Selamat Hari Raya, cikgu.

Malaysia for Malaysians: As a parent, I am happy that the HM has done a public apology. It is not easy for anyone of her stature to do such things. In fact, her action showed that she has principles. Is there any Malaysian politician of such caliber?

To Puan Yati Dani, tahniah and terima kasih . Please stand tall and continue your good work. As for the rest of us, let's accept her apology and move on.

Asitis: She made no excuse and admitted her mistake immediately when confronted. And she had the guts to make a public apology to all concern, even her students. And she appeared sincere too in asking for forgiveness. This is commendable. So I think we should all find it in our heart to forgive and forget.

Tehachapi: No one is perfect. Please let us learn from our past mistakes and exercise better self-control over ourselves.

It is a commendable example of leadership from the principal. It is never to late to ask for forgiveness and understanding and be receptive to the constructive criticisms of peers and parents.

These are marks of strong character, maturity and exemplary leadership, not weakness or lack of character.

Voiceless: Cikgu, I appreciate your courage and your humility to apologise publicly to your students. You have set a praiseworthy example to the whole school and community. I think your example has taught your students a more valuable lesson than all their years of study.

ONG: DPM Muhyiddin Yassin, watch, listen and learn.

Versey: Yati Dani has set a good example for the DPM. The latter should learn from her and follow her footstep - to apologise to the dog trainer, Maznah Mohd Yusof.

It takes courage and bravery to show humility. This is the first test of a truly great man. Aren't we being taught so at home and in school since young? Does not our education minister know about this and agree to it?

Abasir: There is hope yet. Yati Dani has done something which runs against the Umno-BTN-PMO grain.

For that reason alone, her apology should not only be accepted with grace but celebrated by all those who hold out hopes for this country.

Selamat Hari Raya, maaf, zahir dan batin to Puan Yati Dani and family. Muhyuddin should sit at her feet to learn something about humility.

Yati Dani has done her part, the rest is up to us

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