PM, address bullying issues with wisdom, transparency
Bullying is no longer merely a disciplinary problem in schools; it has become a malignant culture within our society. Despite numerous initiatives being announced, the much-needed reforms have failed to be effectively implemented, even within educational institutions.
From the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, 8.6 percent of adolescents reported having been bullied. These figures underscore the urgency for...
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New Straits Times
25 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Zara Qairina's family lawyer welcomes A-GC decision to charge bullying suspects
KOTA KINABALU: The legal team representing the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir has welcomed the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) decision to charge several suspects in connection with her alleged bullying case. The team, led by Hamid Ismail, said the decision aligns with recommendations they submitted to the A-GC on Aug 14. "Our proposal at the time was based on disclosures by the Director of Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department, which revealed evidence pointing to bullying prior to the incident involving Zara Qairina. "Therefore, prosecution must be carried out against those named in the evidence under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code," the lawyers said in a joint statement today. The legal team also includes Shalhan Jufri, Rizwanaden M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Mohd Syarulrizam Mohd Salleh, and Farrah Nasser. However, the lawyers noted that they have yet to be informed of the identities of those who will be charged in court. Earlier, the Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, when contacted, confirmed that five teenage girls would be charged in connection with Zara Qairina's death. Dusuki said the five would be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court on Wednesday. The A-GC said the decision was b ased on police investigation papers.
New Straits Times
25 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: No nation is safe when racial hatred thrives
CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to reject attempts to incite racial hatred and not be swayed by those exploiting sensitive issues to divide national unity. Speaking at a town hall during the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE), he reminded the audience that Malaysians must rise above destructive tendencies. "Remember, we are anak Malaysia who should love our country. "We must put an end to this destructive culture of corruption and racism, of inciting racial hatred, constant quarrelling, provoking and insulting religion or race. "This is not education. Education should lead us towards good and transformation," he said. He added that the country must be safeguarded against such elements, including bullying and abuse. Anwar said that Malaysia is a nation of laws with a firm legal system, and that violations would be dealt with regardless of a person's status or background. "This is a nation of laws with rules that must be respected. The National Unity Ministry exists because, to me, political stability is essential. "This country must also learn from others. Nowhere in the world has racial or religious hatred ever brought safety or stability," he said at the Temu Anwar programme. He was responding to a student's question on government efforts to strengthen unity and combat racism. "No country can remain safe if voices of racial or religious hatred are allowed to flourish. We must be firm in ensuring no one fans such divisions," he said. The prime minister also praised the maturity of today's youth in prioritising unity. "My outlook is very hopeful when I see young people today being positive and mature in their views on unity. But we must also recognise there are still groups trying to incite and distort facts," he added. Citing the death of student Zara Qairina Mahathir, Anwar again stressed that the government has never concealed facts or protected anyone. "If it involves murder or bullying, I don't care whose child it is — if a crime has been committed, we will investigate and prosecute," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. MMU's new FAIE will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to foster creativity and collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the digital economy. The faculty will introduce a new Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied AI) programme, a three-year full-time course beginning in July 2025. Existing engineering programmes will also be enhanced with AI components to equip students with advanced technological skills. Applied AI covers technologies such as machine learning and automation to address real-world challenges, including smart healthcare, autonomous vehicles, intelligent farming and personalised digital assistants.
Rakyat Post
4 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
AGC to Charge Suspects in Zara Qairina Bullying Case, Says Move Won't Affect Inquest
Subscribe to our FREE The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has decided to proceed with charges against a number of individuals allegedly involved in the bullying of the late Form One student, Zara Qairina Mahathir — assuring that the move will not interfere with inquest proceedings into her death. In a statement today, the AGC said the decision was made after reviewing investigation papers submitted by the police. 'The decision to proceed with charges in relation to the bullying offence was made on the basis that the charges will not interfere with the inquest proceedings,' it said, adding that the inquest into Zara's death would continue unhindered. Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that The Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu has fixed 3 September to begin the inquest, which seeks to determine whether there were criminal elements involved in the student's death. Family lawyer Hamid Ismail said the proceedings, to be heard before Coroner Azreena Aziz, may involve up to 195 witnesses — with the final list to be decided by the AGC. Last week, the AGC confirmed it would call for an inquest after studying the investigation report submitted by police. The inquest will be conducted under subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593). Zara, a student of SMKA Tun Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, died on 17 July at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu after being found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at around 4am on 16 July. Her death following an alleged bullying incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for safer school environments. READ MORE: READ MORE: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
