PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he respects principals who choose to disclose bullying cases instead of trying to protect their school's image or performance.
Speaking at the Education Ministry's monthly assembly on Tuesday (July 28), Anwar said a school should not be regarded as having failed simply because one case becomes widely publicised.
"Just because one case is publicised nationwide does not mean the school has failed," he said.
He said principals who disclose such cases instead of trying to avoid negative perceptions should be commended.
"If a principal chooses to disclose it, I respect them because they are not trying to protect the school's image or performance, or avoid negative perceptions," he said.
Anwar said there must be changes in how such issues are handled, adding that although the situation may have improved, the problem still exists.
"Has it begun to subside? Perhaps. But does the problem still exist? Yes. Whether it is small or big, it cannot be accepted," he said.
He said oppression and violent behaviour begin with small acts and should be addressed at the root.
"Oppression begins there. Violent and unjust acts begin there. That is why it must be corrected at the root, regardless of whether it is big or small," he said.
He also said schools should pay close attention to issues affecting students.
"How can we, as parents or grandparents, accept that our children are reluctant to go to school because of bullying? These are matters we must address," he said.
Earlier, Anwar said while isolated incidents often receive widespread attention, the daily efforts made by teachers frequently go unnoticed.
"If one child falls, it becomes sensational news because we must be concerned and sympathetic," he said.
"But the millions of children who are guided every day with knowledge, food, discipline and care in schools do not receive the same attention because it is not sensational," he added.
