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THE Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) will hold a youth dialogue on 6 October involving some 200 primary and secondary school pupils to gather their perspectives on the government’s proposal to establish a dedicated Anti-Bullying Tribunal.
Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the session was vital, as students are the very individuals affected by bullying and can offer meaningful insights into awareness levels and suitable preventive measures.
“Their views differ, and they acknowledge that bullying is a serious issue. Many have their own suggestions on how to address it. This shows they want a stronger protection system,” she told reporters following the launch of MARA’s Anti-Bullying Townhall today.
Azalina added that all online reports submitted to the tribunal would remain confidential, and complainants would be protected once a case proceeds to a hearing. However, she acknowledged that fear of not being believed remains a key concern among young victims.
“This concern exists in other countries as well. Some even have a dedicated Safety Commissioner who visits schools to educate students,” she said.
The tribunal is intended as an independent recourse for students or parents dissatisfied with a school’s handling of bullying cases, including private institutions not under the Ministry of Education or MARA.
“Private schools cannot absolve themselves simply by having parents sign waivers. Legally, schools are still responsible for students under their care,” she emphasised.
The tribunal’s jurisdiction would also cover bullying incidents outside of school grounds, recognising that such conduct is not confined to educational premises.
The first phase will focus on students under the age of 18, guided by input from the Children’s Commissioner and civil society organisations. A second phase will involve collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education to address bullying in universities and colleges.
Asyraf Wajdi: MARA outlines long-term strategy
Meanwhile, MARA has outlined a long-term strategy to stamp out bullying across its network of Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), emphasising prevention, education, enforcement and ongoing monitoring.
MARA Chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the initiative aims to dismantle the normalisation of bullying that has persisted within boarding school environments.
“We must first acknowledge that the problem exists. If we continue to sweep it under the carpet, it will never be solved. Bullying has been seen as part and parcel of hostel life. That perception must end,” he said.
A central feature of MARA’s plan is the Homeroom Programme, which assigns one teacher to care for 20 students, acting as a mentor and early detector of bullying symptoms.
“We’ve recently conducted special training for these teachers, incorporating bullying-related knowledge. This training must evolve continually,” he said.
Enforcement will be underpinned by a strict ‘You Touch, You Go’ policy, ensuring swift disciplinary action against offenders regardless of academic standing.
“In a recent case, even a Form Five student preparing for exams was expelled from MRSM after being found guilty of bullying. Provocation is no excuse for violent behaviour,” he said.
In another initiative, MARA has piloted the deployment of retired military officers as full-time wardens in two MRSM campuses. Early reports show improved discipline levels, owing to wardens’ undivided focus on student welfare and boarding supervision.
“Bullying typically occurs after academic hours. That’s why a full-time warden presence is essential,” he said.
The pilot, monitored by Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Institute for Social Research, will be evaluated after six months and presented to the Cabinet for potential expansion across all 58 MRSM campuses nationwide.
Asyraf also cautioned against measuring school excellence solely by low disciplinary statistics, warning this may incentivise concealment.
He reiterated MARA’s commitment to producing well-rounded students who excel not just academically, but also in character and conduct. - September 29, 2025
