Treat bullying as a crime, not matter of discipline. Ex-Senator says time for Anti-Bullying Act

Daily Express

a day ago

Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Sabah Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Noraini Idris Kota Kinabalu: Anti-Bullying Act must be enacted with immediate action to tackle bullying cases in the country, said Sabah Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Noraini Idris. This follows the recent tragedy of a 13-year-old schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir, who is believed to have been a victim of bullying. She was found unconscious in the drain of her Sekolah Menengah Agama Tun Mustapha in Kinarut at 3am Wednesday, a week ago and died in hospital the next day. Police have yet to comment despite more than a week later. Noraini said such Act must be enacted without delay so that the bully victims are protected and those responsible can be prosecuted, accordingly. 'The death of young Zara is a painful tragedy especially if it is true that she was a victim of bullying at her school. She noted although Zara's mum preferred to be silent, postings on social media suggest Zara had complained to her about being bullied at school. 'Cases like Zara's — and many others that have gone viral previously, whether in schools or residential colleges — show that bullying can lead to trauma, emotional distress, serious injury, and even death 'That is why the Anti-Bullying Act must be enacted. Let's not wait until another student loses their life,' she said. The former Senator said without a specific law, many bullying incidents would be treated merely as disciplinary issues and not crimes. 'By having such an Act in place, any party involved — including schools, hostels, or educational institutions — would be legally accountable if they are negligent in handling or protecting victims of bullying, or if they attempt to cover up bullying incidents that happen under their watch. 'This law would send a clear message that bullying is not a minor offence. It is a serious crime that will not be tolerated anywhere. It would also help to dismantle the culture of silent bullying that has long been normalised in many institutions,' she said. In Zara's case, Noraini said since the incident occurred within the school premises, the school must take full responsibility and not attempt to conceal the facts. 'The public, especially the victim's family, deserves to know the truth behind this tragedy. Imagine a situation where schools are no longer seen as safe spaces for parents to send their children, due to the failure of responsible parties to address such issues. 'Hence, schools must take greater responsibility in fulfilling the trust given to them by parents and the government to protect our children. 'This requires accountability from all especially the teachers and dormitory wardens to prevent and monitor such incidents from happening to any student under their care,' she said. Noraini said public do not need more statements of regret. 'What we need is immediate action through the enactment of an Anti-Bullying Act. 'A reporting system must be independent and protected. Perpetrators must be dealt with fairly but firmly. 'The loss of a child is not a wound that heals in a day or two. It is a wound that demands the entire system to carry its weight together. 'Zara is gone, but let her death mark the final line of our negligence. If we still choose to delay this law, then we are opening the door to the next tragedy. And this time, we cannot say we didn't know,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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