PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to set up a tribunal to address bullying cases involving minors will be tabled at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will present the proposal to the Cabinet.
“The Cabinet will discuss this when we meet on Friday,” he told reporters after attending the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly.
Azalina was previously reported as saying that the government is studying the need to enact an Anti-Bullying Act, with emphasis on setting up a tribunal to hear cases involving minors.
At another function, Azalina said discussions at the policy level are crucial as relevant ministries such as Women, Family and Community Development; Education; Higher Education, and National Unity may have their own views regarding enforcement aspects of the law.
“After each ministry submits its feedback, the Legal Affairs Division will conduct a detailed study (based on the information) and hold engagement sessions.
“The matter will then be brought to the policy level and subsequently to Parliament,” she said at an event, Bernama reported.
Azalina said the main issue is the absence of a specific definition of bullying or penalties for such offences under existing legal provisions.
Currently, bullying-related cases are dealt with under various laws including the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, she said.
There are also provisions under labour laws and the Penal Code to deal with such cases, Azalina added.
The minister said the division will issue a list of Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the differences between the Penal Code and the Child Act to avoid confusion among the public.
“Many misunderstand ... children can still be charged under criminal laws.
“However, the procedure is different. For one, they cannot be tried in an open court.
“I want to give assurance that wrong is still wrong. The law applies to everyone, whether children or adults,” she said.
