Datuk Heng Seai Kie. -Star filepic
PETALING JAYA: Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must investigate and bring social media abusers to book for being complicit in the suicide of a 16-year-old in Sarawak, says Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Saie Kie.
"To the cyberbullies who cajoled and goaded the victim to take her own life, does your conscience not prick you, that there is blood on your fingers too?
"Wanita MCA asserts that the MCMC should commence investigations and even track down the social media abusers and press charges on them for being complicit to the suicide," said Heng in a statement on Thursday (May 16).
The Sarawakian girl jumped off the roof of a building on May 14, after 69% of her followers on Instagram responded affirmative to a poll she mounted with the question - "Really Important, Help Me Choose D/L."
“D” being reported as “Death” and “L” being reported “Life.”
Heng said that immediate measures might have pre-empted the tragedy.
"Upon noticing the question, her followers should have made attempts to contact and dissuade her, while simultaneously informing her parents or guardians regarding her intentions.
"Her Instagram respondents or followers should have lodged a police report or with the Social Welfare Department for counsellors to intervene. Likewise, the MCMC should have been notified so that they could immediately block or shut down her Instagram account.
"Not only should the parents or guardians, but teachers should also look out for telltale signs of a student being bullied," said Heng.
She said teenagers going through emotional problems should seek professional help either through a counselling teacher, or religious cleric trained in psychology and mental health conflicts.
"In coping with a crisis or feeling depressed or undergoing a tough moment, there is no shame at all to seek counselling.
"The most prominent advocate of seeking help to deal with mental health issue is UK's Prince Harry who had acknowledged struggling in his 20s to deal with grief over the death of his mother Princess Diana.
"An adolescent experiencing bodily changes or boy-girl relationship problems or parental or societal pressure may not have the mental maturity to handle the situation.
"Emotional support from relatives, peers, or religious groups can also help. Just give a listening ear, an embrace, a shoulder to cry, can bring comfort and assist one to view, or handle a situation from another angle," said Heng.
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