Bullying is a national challenge demanding a collective response; fragmented action won't cut it

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has rightly emphasised that the issue of bullying must be addressed with the utmost seriousness across every level of society. Bullying can no longer be dismissed as a minor disciplinary matter confined to schools. It has become a national challenge that destroys young lives, undermines public confidence in institutions, and threatens the very fabric of our nation’s future. We share this concern and agree that a stronger, more coordinated, and inclusive response is urgently required.

To ensure that laws and regulations protecting children and young people are robust, future-proof, and effectively enforced, we propose the establishment of a high-level Cabinet Committee, which would cut across ministries and portfolios, chaired directly by the Prime Minister. This committee should bring together the Ministries of Education; Higher Education; Youth and Sports; Women, Family and Community Development; Home Affairs; Health; Communications; Digital; Human Resources; and National Unity. It must also work closely with key enforcement and legal bodies, including the Royal Malaysian Police under the Home Ministry, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Social Welfare Department under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, and the National Cyber Security Agency under the Prime Minister’s Department. Only through this multi-agency and top-level approach can bullying be effectively addressed in schools, universities, workplaces, communities, and online spaces.