'Madness': PM wants stronger action against bullying in education system

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry to take a stronger stance against bullying in educational institutions.

He said this needs to be taken more seriously as there is no value in leadership and capability without values, manners, and ethics.

“Thuggish behaviour, bullying, and gangsterism occurring in the education system - whether in Chinese schools, Tamil schools, tahfiz schools, or religious schools - is madness because we are discussing knowledge, yet there is a lack of morals and values.

“This is a challenge in our education programme. Values and morals must be prioritised. Our weakness is that we take a passive stance, being tolerant toward bullying, but this cannot happen if the culture rejects it,” he said.

He was speaking during the “Temu Anwar” programme at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present were Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, and UPNM vice-chancellor Mardzuki Muhammad.

The prime minister said that, for example, world leaders who are considered corrupt do not necessarily lack education or skills, but lack moral integrity and values.

“This is what I mean by systemic issues across all fields, including the military - how weapons are purchased, the tendering process, negotiations, and commissions - all of these are related to ethics and values,” he said.

He noted that no country can underestimate the need for adequate military preparedness, which involves not only training, resilience, capabilities, intelligence, strategic thinking, and equipment, but also discipline and values.

“That’s why discipline in other universities is important, but it is of paramount importance at this university (UPNM),” he said.

Anwar also advised UPNM students, whom he described as national assets, to continue being a source of hope in ensuring national defence and security by equipping themselves with knowledge.

“Do not take this trust lightly. Few people have such responsibility, so gain as much knowledge as possible and train yourself with resilience and good character to carry out this great duty,” he said.

Chief of Defence Force Mohammad Ab Rahman said yesterday that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will not compromise with any parties involved in a recent bullying case at UPNM.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, MAF said it is investigating the case, where a senior allegedly pressed a hot iron to a cadet officer’s chest, leaving burn marks, as circulated on social media.

When asked to comment on the matter, Anwar said the case is being investigated by the police, but he hopes headmasters, college principals, and vice-chancellors will take responsibility for putting an end to bullying in their institutions.

“There are too many complaints, and they only surface by chance when exposed on social media. This must be stopped; pity the children,” he said.

- Bernama

Anwar heads to UPNM tomorrow amid latest abuse scandal

Another UPNM military cadet abused using scalding iron

Minister confident no more bullying at defence university

Death penalty for ex-UPNM students justified, says MCPF