PUTRAJAYA: Principals who disclose cases of bullying in their schools instead of trying to avoid negative perception should be commended, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he respects principals who choose to disclose bullying cases.
Issuing yet another reminder that such incidents must be addressed fast, Anwar said schools must not hide cases of bullying or abuse simply to maintain the image and performance of their respective institution.
“If a principal chooses to disclose it, I respect him because he is not trying to protect the school’s image or performance or avoid negative perceptions,” he said at the Education Ministry’s monthly assembly.
Anwar said a bullying incident that occurs in a school does not mean it has failed as a whole, but rather, the incident should be considered an issue that requires immediate action.
He said there must be changes in how such issues are handled, adding that although the situation may have improved, the problem still exists.
He said that oppression and violent behaviour start with small acts and should be addressed at their source, adding that schools should pay close attention to issues affecting students.
“How can we accept that our children are reluctant to go to school because of bullying incidents?”
Anwar said while isolated incidents often receive widespread attention, daily efforts made by teachers frequently go unnoticed.
“If one child falls, it becomes sensational news.
“But the millions of children who are guided every day with knowledge, discipline and care in schools receive less attention because it is not sensational.”
