Penang executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo was recently accused of politicising the issue of T Nhaveen’s murder when he blamed the BN government for failing the youth’s family by not preventing bullying incidents.

Today, he strongly denied the charge made by several quarters over his Facebook remark, and went on to announce that the DAP will launch a “Stop the Bully” campaign to ensure children have a safe environment to grow up into responsible human beings.

At a media event today, Jagdeep said “the time for action is now”, adding that the DAP will form a task force to lead the campaign, to be headed by DAP Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Lim Siew Khim.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer will form a legal support group to aid victims in need, he noted.

“Enough with the endless excuses of government budgetary constraints and red tape,” Jagdeep said in a press conference held at the Penang DAP headquarters today.

Nhaveen, 18, died on June 15, after he was allegedly attacked and physically abused by a group of boys on June 9 in Bukit Gelugor, Penang.

He was found unconscious in a nearby field, where he was allegedly beaten and sodomised with a blunt object. Penang General Hospital later declared he was “brain dead”.

It was reported that the four boys, between the ages of 16 to 18, had been charged with his murder.

They were also charged with causing grievous hurt to Nhaveen’s friend, T Previin, 19, at the same time and place.

According to the police, the fifth suspect behind Nhaveen’s death would be called as a witness for the prosecution.

Previin managed to escape the scene but was also hospitalised due to injuries.

'Boys and girls suffer in silence'

Jagdeep said the government needs to acknowledge that bullying exists, and take significant and effective steps to stop such behaviour.

“We have seen young boys and girls suffer in silence and get psychologically scarred to the point that they are not able to live productive lives as adults,” he said at a press conference today.

“Some young boys and girls have even taken their own lives due to their inability to cope with the psychological trauma of bullying."

Jagdeep said the objectives of the campaign include creating awareness of the causes of bullying amongst children and students, to educate parents, teachers, and other related parties on the signs and symptoms of bullying in victims.

An emergency hotline for victims and their families will also be created so that they can seek help if found in such situations, he added.

“We will provide legal advice and assistance to victims. We will ensure discreet support system particularly to whistleblowers who may face threats for exposing potential bullies. We would like to acquire feedback and proposals from the public on ways to prevent the problem."

Jagdeep said the campaign will include public talks and flyer distribution to raise awareness and make bullies understand that the bullying behaviour will no longer be tolerated in society.

“We will set out to make a difference and ensure our children’s physical and mental safety will be taken care of,” he added.