Call for ‘Zara Law' to combat school bullying
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 10): The heartbreaking death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir from Papar, allegedly due to relentless bullying at her boarding school, has prompted calls for urgent legislative action to protect children in educational institutions.
Life Member of Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (STAR), Robert Richard Foo, said the tragedy has exposed 'the glaring inadequacies in our current system to protect our children from the devastating effects of bullying.'
'In alignment with Parti Solidariti Tanahairku's steadfast commitment and advocacy to the well-being and welfare of children and young persons in Malaysia, the profound tragedy and disturbing conspiracy surrounding the Zara case is a heartbreaking incident,' he said.
Foo stressed that Zara's untimely death was 'not by accident or natural causes, but by the deliberate and sustained cruelty of her peers, compounded by the apparent inaction of those entrusted with her safety and well-being.'
'The circumstances surrounding Zara's death have revealed disturbing patterns of negligence, denial and attempts to suppress the truth. Those who should have been her protectors became complicit in a system that failed her completely,' he added.
To prevent similar tragedies, Foo is proposing that the Malaysian Parliament, Sabah State Legislative Assembly, and Ministry of Education enact comprehensive anti-bullying legislation, to be known as the 'Zara Law.'
He said the proposed law should include:
Mandatory Reporting – requiring all school staff to report bullying incidents without delay;
Criminal Consequences – holding perpetrators legally accountable;
Institutional Accountability – ensuring schools are responsible for preventing and addressing bullying;
Cover-up Penalties – penalising any attempts to hide incidents;
Victim Protection – safeguarding and supporting affected students; and Prevention Programs – implementing education and awareness initiatives.
'Zara's story must become the catalyst for systemic change that protects every child in every school across Malaysia. With the enactment of the Zara Law, we want to ensure that no other family endures the pain that Zara's family continues to bear,' Foo said.
He called on all lawmakers and education authorities to act swiftly, saying, 'We owe it to Zara's memory to make our schools truly safe for every child.'
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