TO SUE OR NOT TO SUE

Below is an article I got from the Star Online:

Student sues dad for funds to further studies

IPOH: An accounting diploma student is seeking a High Court order to compel his father to finance his education overseas.

Foo Dui Geng, 22, who claims he is unemployed, said he needs the financial support of his father, Woon Keat, 45, as he has received an offer to do his final-year studies at the Nottingham Trent University in Britain in September.

According to an affidavit filed on Sept 12 last year, Dui Geng wants his father to pay a lump sum of RM81,421 for his study fees, accommodation, food and other expenses overseas.

Alternatively, he wants his father to pay his monthly maintenance dues which he claimed had been stopped after December 2000.

He also wants the payment to increase from RM400 to RM4,000 to reflect the increased expenses overseas if his father is unable to pay the lump sum.

Dui Geng, who lives with his mother in Pinggir Rapat Perdana after his parents divorced in 1987, said a variation order to a divorce petition had stated that his mother was to care for him while his father was to pay maintenance.

He further claimed that his father is a well-to-do businessman holding various assets and is currently operating a factory in Gopeng.

Woon Keat filed an application in chambers yesterday to strike out the claim on the basis that Dui Geng has no legal power to sue his father.

Woon Keat described the claim as "oppressive and frivolous," adding that the plaintiff was abusing the court process.

He also said his son was past the age of 18 and was already working, adding that Dui Geng had even worked for him at the factory for RM600 a month.

The High Court here fixed Jan 12 for submissions.

This article was out a few days ago, but it etched a deep impression in my mind. I was shocked by the headlines, but as I read through the article, I I understand his situation better. There's also an article in NST's Life and Times too, where many youths were asked do they support the entire notion. There were quite a few who support and go against it, along with neutrals... But I'm surprised that one of them call the 'sue-er' a 'unthankful brat'.

But then again, I suppose it all comes down to one's personal moral beliefs. I supported that guy's action totally. This may come as shock to u ppl, and I understand y. But to me, the main cause behind this is the divorce itself, which lead to all this complication... I always believe that it is WRONG to divorce, unless it is due to adultery on either side of the spouse. Marriage is a sacred union, and it is meant to last till either spouse's death. To break the vows means trouble, and the ex-spouses must have full responsibility over their sons and daughters.

So now that they are divorced, they shud still take full responsibility of the damage they've caused, inclusive of their son's education fees. It's late now, I'll post more about this in the future.