Amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code have now made “bullying” a criminal offence, with hefty penalty of up to 10 years’ jail term; these include harassment, threats, insults…!
After a spate of deeply disturbing bullying cases which had rocked the nation the past few months, including some that had resulted in fatalities, have the authorities finally awakened from their deep slumber?
The tragic death of a teenage schoolgirl in Sabah, allegedly due to bullying, had sparked a national uproar; but inadvertantly, has it also forced Putrajaya to act on politicians who are known to engage in hate speech, intimidation and bullying - including on social media?
Commenting on the anger and horror that has gripped the nation lately over the deaths from suspected harassment and bullying, a visibly upset prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that the government will no longer compromise when it comes to physical and psychological abuse.
PMX has vowed to end bullying in schools and other places…
Unsurprisingly, with the topic having become a hot talking point in the country, even opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin had weighed in by calling for the enactment of an “anti-bullying law” that would take to task both bullies and those who failed to ensure the safety of students; he further stressed that such a law would provide clear policies that authorities can implement to protect students from abuse both physical and emotional.
Inevitably, there will also be some who may ask: what about all the alleged cases of harassment and bullying in government departments that involve members of the public? To many, won't the tragic case of Teoh Beng Hock instantly spring to mind?
And what about bullying and “hooligan behaviour” in Parliament?
In fact, recently, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul had ordered PAS’ Pendang MP Awang Hashim to be suspended from the House for 10 days; it was allegedly for threatening and challenging another lawmaker to a fight outside Parliament.
At any rate, the good news is that the amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code have now made bullying a criminal offence, with hefty penalties of up to 10 years’ jail while the offences covered include harassment, threats, bullying, insults and misuse of identity information, with heavier penalties if such actions lead to suicide attempts or suicide caused by provocation.
Harassment, threats and employing bullying tactics now deemed a criminal offence?
In fact, according to Zaid Malek of Lawyers for Liberty the person can also be charged for several criminal offences under the Penal Code, including criminal intimidation (Section 503), intentional insult (Section 504) and making statements conducive to public mischief (Section 505) and criminal trespass.
Incidentally, last week, at the height of the furore over the upside down flag incident in Penang, it was reported that the Cabinet had decided to take firm action against irresponsible politicians for inciting (racial) sentiments over recent flag-related controversies which allegedly had dampened public enthusiasm for National Day.
Has Madani administration finally decided to rein in on “political bullies?”
However, a big question mark still remains: though intimidating and bullying, including on social media, is now deemed a “criminal offence” with harsher penalties, will it really stop overzealous politicians from going overboard, driven by the insatiable thirst for power, publicity and political mileage - probably aided by the local “deep state?”
Isn't it time for “bullies” to be named, shamed and punished for their crimes?
In a country where budaya buli (the bullying culture) seemed to have been somewhat “normalised” - from the humble tahfiz schools, to offices, to government institutions - isn't now the right time to “stigmatize” it?
In that context, what better way than to start with those “self-righteous” politicians who for so long have been allowed to sow hatred and division in the country without ever being punished for openly insulting, harassing and threatening others, ironically, in the name of loyalty and love for their country?
In conclusion, until and unless prominent politicians, and those with powerful connections, are hauled to court and are actually convicted, it is unlikely to deter others; in fact, the recent court cases involving bullying and threats, will be closely watched by the public, including “influencers" and others in power, who now risk being jailed should they cross the red line and disrupt public order!
As for serial “political bullies”, one thing seems certain though, backed by others with vested interests, they are not going to capitulate without a fight. The bottom line is: with the latest move to curb bullying and other excessive behaviours that threaten public peace, can Anwar succeed in doing what previous governments dare not even attempt…?
Main information source: FMT, Malaysiakini, Malay Mail, TRP and Aliran.
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