KUALA LUMPUR: Recent cases involving the deaths of students, particularly girls, should be examined for possible gender-based violence, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said some offenders are people known to the victims, including classmates or boyfriends.
"What worries me is that women are becoming victims of violence," she said during a press conference at Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 7).
She said greater awareness was needed among young people, particularly students, about healthy relationships and respecting boundaries.
Azalina said resorting to violence because of rejection, jealousy or a sense of entitlement reflects a dangerous misogynistic attitude.
"Being a strong man does not mean being aggressive. It means being respectful. When you love someone, you should be kind," she said.
Azalina also rejected calls for heavier punishment for offenders below the age of 18.
"I do not see punishment as the answer. We should turn to intervention instead," she said, pointing to the Anti-Bullying Tribunal as an avenue for early intervention.
She said the tribunal provides an alternative for students who feel their complaints have not been properly addressed by schools.
"If you think the school does not want to deal with the issue, you can go directly to the tribunal," she said.
Azalina said bullying was not limited to physical acts but includes emotional, psychological and other forms of harassment.
She said awareness of the tribunal was crucial because many young victims are reluctant to make a police report or use other channels.
"The system is there. If you feel uncomfortable and feel that you are being harassed or bullied, even by friends, classmates, teachers or peers, report it," she said.
Azalina said the tribunal was intended to emphasise rehabilitation rather than punishment, particularly because offenders below 18 were still developing emotionally and cognitively.
Her remarks comes amid renewed concern over school safety following the death of a Form Four student at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, on Oct 3.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (Oct 6) that 5,681 bullying cases had been reported nationwide between January and August, although the actual figure could be higher due to under-reporting.
