Don't cover up bullying cases to protect school's image - PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today once again reminded schools not to hide cases of bullying or abuse simply to maintain the image and performance of their respective institutions.

He said hiding such cases would only make things worse because problems that initially seem small could develop into more serious injustices if not addressed immediately.

"The injustice starts there (bullying and violence). Violent, hasty and cruel actions start there. That is why, at the initial stage, the matter must be corrected no matter how big or small," he said when speaking at a meeting with Education Ministry staff in Putrajaya.

The prime minister also stressed that principals and headmasters need to be open in dealing with bullying issues and not consider the disclosure of a case as a factor that tarnishes the school's reputation.

According to him, an incident of bullying that occurs in a school does not mean that the school has failed as a whole, but rather that the incident should be seen as an issue that requires immediate action.

"On this platform, I am reminding principals and headmasters to prioritise this matter. It does not mean that when a case that causes a stir in the country occurs, the school has failed.

"I do not take this view. If the headmaster chooses to disclose, I respect him because he is not trying to protect the school's image or the school's performance," he said.

Clearer picture

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, reminded that the safety and well-being of students must always be a priority as parents send their children to school in the hope that they will be in a safe environment.

The prime minister further said that feedback received directly from students often provides a clearer picture of the real situation in schools.

According to him, the information students share sometimes differs from the official report because the management needs to take into account various factors before providing an explanation.

"I am happy with these children because I consider them like my grandchildren who tell straight stories.

"If you ask the DG (director-general), (his answer) is a bit convoluted because he wants to defend himself. Go to the school and ask the principal, go to the education director; they will also (explain) everything is okay," he said.

- Bernama

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