Accountability can't be outsourced, Nik Nazmi reminds education minister

In the wake of several shocking cases of school violence, PKR lawmaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has cautioned the government against hastily unveiling new plans or catchy slogans, saying such moves only reveal a deeper failure to grasp the roots of the crisis.

The Setiawangsa MP said the real issue lies not in the absence of policies or circulars, but in a culture and system that fail to adequately support both teachers and students.

Nik Nazmi also reminded Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek that the ultimate responsibility rests with her.

“Not the officers, not the teachers. Accountability cannot be outsourced,” he wrote in a Facebook post, which featured an image of Fadhlina with her mouth taped and the word “skrip” (script) written across it.

The former minister said that when the director-general of education himself admits that some cases were “swept under the carpet,” it is not a communication issue but a sign that the administrative system has failed to create a safe space for school communities to speak up without fear.

“A minister must listen directly to voices from the ground, study reports honestly, and understand the daily realities of teachers who are under immense pressure. Ministers should defend those working to improve conditions, not weaken them for political survival.

“Schools with high rates of disciplinary cases should not be labelled as ‘problematic’. They should instead receive additional support - in resources, manpower, and guidance - to rehabilitate their students.

“Unfortunately, warning signs such as rising dropout rates and absenteeism in exams are often ignored until tragedy strikes. The ministry’s recently announced five-point approach merely addresses the symptoms, not the root causes,” he added.

Overburdened teachers

Nik Nazmi pointed out that teachers are overburdened not because they lack dedication, but because they are trapped in a system that demands endless paperwork yet offers little trust.

He said that when disciplinary, mental health, or safety crises occur, they are caught between the duty to report and the instinct to protect.

“We must also admit that schools mirror society. Moral, religious, and civic education as taught has yet to nurture a genuine culture of respect and empathy.

“It is time to rebuild our education ecosystem on a foundation of trust in teachers, student safety, and human values,” he added.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the cabinet will decide today on the issue of discipline and safety involving school students.

Anwar said he will instruct cabinet ministers to consider stricter measures on social media use, stating that the unchecked use of social media was responsible for driving most of these cases.

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