SAY NO TO ECSTASY

THE MCA has declared an all-out war against Ecstasy abuse. The fact
that the party took the problem to the Cabinet to secure its full
support in fighting the menace only underscores the harsh reality of a
very serious and complex issue.

It has been reported that there are some 200,000 Ecstasy users in the
country, 90% of them Chinese between 15 and 25 years of age. Left
unchecked, it would spread like cancer and destroy a whole generation
of Malaysians.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik, who had visited some of
the nightspots where Ecstasy abuse was rampant, described the
situation as shocking.

He had personally seen teenagers, high on the drug, partying all night
to the pounding techno or hypnotic "trance-inducing'' music, shaking
their heads and butts in frenzy.

Ecstasy, a common name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has
been a scourge in the West for a long time, destroying young lives and
causing untold misery to those affected.

Used over the long term, it affects the brain, heart, liver and
kidneys, creating a host of medical problems for the abusers later on
in life.

But equally worrisome is that, like other drug abuses, it will spawn
an evil web of crime and social ills such as thefts, extortions and
prostitution to ensnare our youth.

The MCA should be commended for blowing the whistle and in mobilising
all its resources to fight the menace which should be recognised as a
manifestation of a deeper social malaise creeping into our society.

The party will officially launch the campaign against Ecstasy on Aug 7
to create an awareness among the youth, parents and enforcement
authorities of the dangers of the Ecstasy pills despite their alluring
name.

It would be naive to believe that the menace could be wiped out by a
single party or a single campaign.

As such, efforts by the MCA deserve the support of all quarters--the
Government, NGOs, religious bodies, guilds and associations, disco
operators, community leaders, parents, teachers and the youth themselves.

The police, immigration and the enforcement branches of local
authorities must be firm in enforcing the laws to curb the spread of
the menace.

Sure enough, the drug barons and pedlars involved in the
multi-billion-ringgit drug manufacturing and distribution network do
not like this to happen and threats and attempts have already been
made to sabotage such efforts.

But Malaysians must be brave enough to say no to Ecstasy, with one
voice.