Sipitang MP urges swift action on bullying legislation
Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025 Text Size: Matbali urged the Government to act proactively, saying it was time to introduce specific anti-bullying legislation with clear guidelines, protection for victims and whistleblowers, and firm action against offenders. Kota Kinabalu: Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah has again raised the case of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir in Parliament, urging for an anti-bullying law to be enacted without delay. Debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, he began by recounting the tragedy that claimed the life of Zara Qairina at her school last month. He said the incident not only caused grief to her family in Sipitang but also sparked concern nationwide, raising serious questions about student safety in educational institutions. 'If bullying was indeed involved, this is no longer a matter of discipline but violence that claimed a life,' he said. This is the second time Matbali has brought up the matter, having raised it during the debate on the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 on July 30. He urged the Government to act proactively, saying it was time to introduce specific anti-bullying legislation with clear guidelines, protection for victims and whistleblowers, and firm action against offenders. He also expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister and Federal Government, the Sabah Chief Minister and State Government and all parties for their concern and serious commitment to addressing Zara Qairina's case transparently and thoroughly. * 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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