KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition MP has questioned why Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek did not use her platform in the Dewan Rakyat to address the current issue of bullying in schools, particularly the case of Zara Qairina, whose death has sparked nationwide concern.
Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) said more than half of the MPs who took part in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debates had raised the matter of bullying, yet Fadhlina made no reference to it in her winding-up speech.
"Many MPs spoke about bullying – especially the case of the late Zara Qairina - but the education minister did not touch on the issue at all.
"I stood up to interject, but she said her time was up. How can a minister responsible for schools ignore such a serious issue that the public is talking about?" he told reporters during a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 20).
Afnan Hamimi said he had earlier filed an emergency motion under Standing Order 18(1) to debate Zara's case but the Speaker rejected it on the basis that the minister could respond during her winding-up.
"The Home Ministry gave its explanation and we appreciate that. So we waited for the Education Minister.
"But instead of responding, she ended her speech, saying she had finished. How can that be, when this issue involves a student's death and has unsettled parents nationwide?" he asked.
Afnan Hamimi said the opposition had proposed various solutions, including making warden positions permanent but they were expecting a professional response from the minister.
He said a few minutes from the 40 minutes allocated by the Speaker should have been used to explain the ministry's approach to bullying.
