COMMENT | Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid has finally come out with a statement about caning after the reported case of a boy in SJK (C) Puay Chai 2 who was caned 12 times for late payment of Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) and security fees.

The minister said in a Facebook post that although caning is sanctioned as part of the education process, it should not be done to damage both the physique and self-esteem of the child.

In the case of the unfortunate child, it was arguably damaging for his self-esteem as he was caned in front of his peers for not paying up the two fees imposed by the PIBG before June 22. Both teacher and child were the unfortunate victims of the PIBG and the headmistress’ deadline...