PUTRAJAYA: Several ministries and government agencies will soon convene to coordinate efforts to curb bullying in educational institutions.
The retreat will see officers discussing the proposal for a special tribunal on bullying, said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister stated that the retreat on anti-bullying was decided upon by the Cabinet to address the numerous complaints about bullying in such institutions.
At the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had requested some time for the proposal to be submitted, Fahmi told the media.
Fahmi, the government spokesman, was asked about what the government planned to do to quell calls for Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s resignation over bullying cases in schools.
“Bullying takes place not only in boarding schools but also in other schools. What was raised in the Cabinet meeting today was a coordinated action between the Education Ministry, Defence Ministry, Mara (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) and other ministries and agencies which handle educational institutions.
“The retreat will enable these ministries and agencies to come to an understanding on addressing bullying in a comprehensive manner. This is because bullying has now been deemed a crime under Section 507 of the Penal Code.
“Bullying cases are currently being handled in different ways in different educational institutions. The retreat will coordinate these efforts,” said Fahmi.
On Aug 19, Azalina had stated that rehabilitative methods should be considered before taking punitive actions in cases of bullying involving minors.
On Thursday, a coalition of student activists staged a protest outside the Education Ministry, demanding that Fadhlina respond to a memorandum within 24 hours or step down.
The memorandum laid out a series of urgent demands for the ministry to act on within 30 days, with bullying and student safety at the centre of their call.
The demonstration was organised by Malaysian Muslim Students Coalition and Malaysian People’s Advocacy Coalition, and joined by groups including Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth, Demokrat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and United Muslim Malaysia.
The issue of bullying in schools had gained traction after 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir fell to her death in Sabah on July 16.
