PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has received a memorandum from the #JusticeForZara movement, which outlines four demands aimed at addressing bullying in schools and enhancing safety measures within the national education system.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 12), Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic) stated that the memorandum was received on behalf of the ministry by Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim.
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Fadhlina also mentioned that she met with student activist representatives in parliament to discuss their concerns in detail.
According to Fadhlina, the first demand calls for comprehensive reform of the national education system, particularly regarding bullying. In response, the Education Ministry has announced several initiatives to improve safety in all institutions under its purview.
These initiatives include conducting safety audits, enhancing the bullying complaint system, forming a safety reform committee, imposing strict disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion for offenders, and strengthening psychosocial support at every level.
The second request urges the ministry to hold engagement sessions with student groups and civil society to develop clear and firm standard operating procedures for handling bullying cases.
Fadhlina agreed with this proposal and stated that the ministry would organise such sessions with all stakeholders to explain current guidelines while remaining open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.
The memorandum also calls for mandatory, regular training for teachers, administrators, and wardens on crisis intervention, managing students’ emotions, and professional procedures for victim-friendly complaint handling.
Fadhlina emphasised that guidelines on bullying must be observed in all schools under the ministry’s purview and that training will be strengthened to ensure the readiness of school administrators, teachers, and wardens.
The final demand seeks public clarification on the issue, specifically regarding the actions taken by the school involved. She welcomed the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) initiative to set up a special task force to investigate the case involving the late Zara Qairina.
The Education Ministry is extending its full cooperation to the police, with updates on the investigation to be provided by PDRM from time to time.
Fadhlina expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the ministry over Zara Qairina’s death, stating that the case remains a top priority.
"I place my utmost hope that truth and justice will prevail," she said.
