ISKANDAR PUTERI: There will be no compromise if bullying cases are detected among Johor athletes, says Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
The state youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman said firm action would be taken against offenders regardless of their background or status.
"Whoever is involved, no matter whose child, we will ensure that they face justice. There will be no exceptions,” he said in a press conference on the upcoming Johor Business Summit and Expo 2025 held at Menara IIB here on Wednesday (Aug 27).
Mohd Hairi, who is also the Larkin assemblyman, however, stressed that no such cases have been reported involving Johor athletes so far.
“So far, we have not received reports of bullying among athletes in the state. But if such cases arise, we will not compromise,” he said.
He added that the state government was fully committed to supporting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s call for a statewide anti-bullying campaign.
“Bullying is not part of Johor’s culture and we must ensure that such behaviour is never tolerated,” he added.
Mohd Hairi also said bullying should not be dismissed as a minor matter, noting that it has become a serious social concern that needs swift intervention.
“Years ago, cases of bullying may not have been taken seriously, but today both the state and federal governments recognise the need for strong and decisive action,” he said.
He urged Parliament to consider enacting a dedicated anti-bullying law to strengthen enforcement nationwide.
“An anti-bullying law should be discussed and passed in Parliament so that enforcement can be stepped up, ensuring such incidents do not recur,” he added.
He said the Johor government was also leveraging the influence of sports icons and personalities to help instil positive values among the younger generation.
Among those appointed as ambassadors were national badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and former All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, who have been tasked with promoting anti-bullying awareness.
“These icons are role models who can send a strong message that bullying is unacceptable, and they can inspire youth to choose the right path,” he said.
