KUALA LUMPUR: Only headmasters or teachers with authority may cane students, and the punishment cannot be imposed on female students, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said implementing the punishment was also subject to strict guidelines, as stated in the Education Regulations (School Discipline) 1959.
She also said that the caning cannot be carried out publicly or at school assembly sites, as detailed in the Specialized Circular No. 7/2003 regarding the Power of Teachers to Cane Students, reported Sinar Harian.
“Education is the most important aspect in building a harmonious and viable society.
“Caning is one form of punishment that can be imposed on students who commit serious offences, including bullying.
"However, this punishment is not intended to be abusive; rather, it serves as an educational method that guides and disciplines students, enabling them to understand the implications of their actions," she said in a written response to the Dewan Rakyat published on the Parliament website, on Wednesday (Feb 5).
She was responding to Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), who asked whether the ministry was prepared to allow the heirs of bullied students to cane the bully during the morning assembly at school.
Fadhlina added that the Education Ministry also emphasises a more holistic approach to dealing with school disciplinary issues, focusing on value education and the formation of students' personalities.
She explained that this includes early intervention programs, counselling guidance and strengthening a culture of love and respect among students.
Through this approach, students are educated to understand the consequences of their actions and raised with good manners and morals.
“The existing legal provisions do not give parents or the public any authority to take physical action against students who commit an offence.
“The ministry believes that a more effective approach is to strengthen communication between schools and parents to ensure that any disciplinary issues can be handled more prudently and effectively,” she said.
