Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has continued to stir up heated controversy when she issued a statement to reward school administrations that have managed to maintain a record of no bullying cases in an effort to combat the increasingly worrying bullying culture.
The Education Ministry’s proposal unfortunately drew strong criticism and condemnation after many expressed concerns that the initiative would only worsen the situation when it prompted school administrations to close cases from public knowledge in order to obtain government incentives.
The statement made during a visit to SMK Dr Burhanuddin, Taiping on August 16 attracted the attention of netizens and education observers, who stressed that the move risked worsening the situation when victims had to suffer in silence because the school refused to report the actual incident.
Previously, the ministry also sparked debate when it ordered principals and headmasters to lead the chant “We Hate Bullying” at the beginning and end of every school session, which was described as purely symbolic.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad opined that a more comprehensive approach was needed, including the installation of CCTV in hidden areas, the appointment of full-time wardens in dormitories and the development of a School Wellbeing Index.
He also called on Malaysia to emulate Australia, which has successfully reduced bullying rates through clear guidelines and evidence-based modules.
