Imagine Zara as your own child, MP says in urging M'sians to reflect on rising bullying trend

The Star

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker has asked Malaysians to view the unresolved death of Sabah schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir as if she were their own child, emphasising the urgent need to address a disturbing trend of bullying.
Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) said the nation should seek justice for Zara Qairina's untimely passing, which remains unanswered nearly a month later.
"We should not look at it as a case of someone else's child, but our own.
"Only then will we be accountable in tackling the disturbing trend of bullying and other social issues plaguing our nation.
"There should also be an immediate inquest to identify those responsible," he said when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12).
Afnan Hamimi urged the government and society to ponder what kind of human talent they want to nurture for the nation in the coming decades.
"Lately, the increasing visibility of various social issues like free sexual behaviour and LGBT issues has become an alarming concern on social media.
"What's worse (is) the troubling trend of bullying that has escalated to life-threatening levels," he said.
He also criticised those who brazenly record and disseminate their harmful actions online.
"What kind of society are we nurturing when individuals shamelessly record and share their harmful deeds?
"Our children are learning from viral trends and digital media, rather than traditional values and education," he added.
Expressing concern for future generations, Afnan Hamimi noted that while the current generation might withstand these challenges, the next may not be as resilient.
"What use is economic progress if our moral fabric continues to deteriorate?
"We need serious reflection on our societal values alongside economic growth," he added.
Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious at her school dormitory block in Papar on July 16 and declared dead the following day.
The incident was initially classified as sudden death by police, but later developments led to the investigation being reopened, with allegations of bullying arising.