KUALA LUMPUR: Calls for clarity on the scope and enforcement of the proposed Anti-Bullying Act dominated discussions at a forum, as youths pressed policymakers on whether the law would cover adults, cyberbullying and provide stronger whistleblower protections.
Delegates comprising university students across the country sought clarity on if the Bill will cover those aged 18 and above, how it aligns with existing laws and also if the legislation will encompass cyberbullying.
They were the attendees at the Nation Building and Future Resilience – Youth and Bullying forum here yesterday.
Participants further highlighted the need for stronger whistleblower protection when lodging complaints through the anti-bullying tribunal, as well as the possibility of introducing alternative penalties for underage offenders instead of placing them in juvenile centres.
Responding, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic) stressed that an online reporting mechanism is being mulled to allow victims to lodge complaints directly with a tribunal, ensuring action even when institutions fail to respond satisfactorily.
“The system and law we want to design is one where you can approach the tribunal directly online to lodge a complaint.
“If you are concerned that your current setting may not entertain or have biasness, the system allows for an online complaint medium,” she said.
She also said the tribunal under the proposed Anti-Bullying Act will be similar to the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
She said that cases which fall under the school’s jurisdiction will have to be resolved by the school first.
“Those dissatisfied with the school’s judgement of the cases, however, can refer to the tribunal.
“We want people to know there are other platforms for grievances besides the school,” she said.
Thiyagu Ganesan, the deputy director-general (Law Reforms) at the Legal Affairs Division, said the Bill also covers instances of cyberbullying.
Thiyagu, a panellist, said there is no policy decision yet on whether the law will apply to all ages.
“There are some calling for it to only cover those aged 18 and below, while others say it should cover university students who are beyond 18,” he said, adding that the decision will be made by the Cabinet through guidance from the minister.
He said the new Bill will also introduce a tiered system for handling complaints.
The first level involves a committee at the respective educational institution, while the second level is the tribunal.
“Not all complaints will go straight to the tribunal. Only cases that complainants believe were mishandled or received no action can be referred to it.
“The same applies to children outside the school system, as they can bring their cases directly to the tribunal,” he said.
