KUALA LUMPUR: Caning in schools should be reconsidered but with strict guidelines and controls in place to prevent any form of abuse, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister, however, stressed that this was his personal opinion and not yet a government policy, adding that the matter should be further studied through comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.
“As for caning ... my personal view, which I have voiced, is that it should be reinstated with strict conditions, but not public caning,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) regarding a proposal to allow teachers the discretion to cane students as a disciplinary measure.
He said while some human rights groups viewed caning as a form of child abuse, many educators and parents still believe it is relevant if carried out responsibly.
“Many educators and parents believe there is a need (to reinstate caning in schools), but only under strict conditions and by designated teachers in a controlled environment, such as a discipline room,” Anwar said, Bernama reported.
He said disciplinary punishment should not be seen as abuse but as an educational measure when a student seriously violates school rules, adding that it must be implemented in line with school regulations.
“I don’t think parents should be unduly worried because mischief from children is normal... but when it crosses the line, there must be consequences,” he said.
To a question from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota), Anwar said police officers would continue to be stationed at schools to monitor safety without causing anxiety among students.
He said the decision was made after considering the rise in bullying, abuse and crime among students.
Anti-bullying campaigns would be intensified, he said, and the role of certified counsellors, hostel wardens, including retired army veterans and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) would be enhanced to strengthen the social safety network in schools.
“Bullying is no small matter as it involves parents, teachers and the ministry. Principals and teachers must not shirk their responsibilities. Every year, we hear about bullying, but now with social media, it becomes even more visible,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the government will not compromise on any event involving the serving of alcohol or activities that contradict educational values within school premises, including after school hours.
He said even if a school hall is rented by external parties such as alumni associations, it should not be used for events that violate the nation’s educational rules and philosophy.
“The school environment must be safeguarded. Even after school hours, the use of school halls should not be allowed for activities that go against the rules of all schools,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) regarding claims that alcohol was served during an alumni gathering at a secondary school in Ipoh on Sept 27.
Anwar said the prohibition is not intended to deny the rights of non-Muslims but to uphold universal values shared by all Malaysians.
“We ask our non-Muslim friends to understand this. It’s not about denying their rights, but a school must remain a school, a place for learning and nurturing values,” he said.
