KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad has warned schools not to cover up cases of bullying or sexual misconduct, emphasising that such actions should be treated as criminal offences rather than mere disciplinary issues.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad has warned schools not to cover up cases of bullying or sexual misconduct, emphasising that such actions should be treated as criminal offences rather than mere disciplinary issues.
According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Dr Mohd Azam said all cases must be reported, regardless of how often they occur, stressing that bullying, sexual harassment and similar acts fall under criminal behaviour. He also criticised those who try to conceal such incidents to protect their school’s reputation.
“If we sweep everything under the carpet, it may appear as though nothing is wrong, but we know these problems exist. They’re like a thorn in the flesh—or worse, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode,” he was quoted as saying.
Dr Mohd Azam admitted feeling conflicted about the recent surge in reports of student misconduct.
“In the three months since I became director-general, I’ve collected a lot of data on these issues. On the other hand, I’m relieved, because what was once hidden is now coming to light,” he said.
He added that even if reports of bullying or sexual offences emerge daily, such transparency is necessary to develop effective strategies, initiatives and partnerships to tackle the issue collectively.
His remarks came in the wake of public outrage following two shocking incidents — the alleged gang rape of Form Five students in Alor Gajah, Melaka, last weekend, and the fatal stabbing of a Form Four student at a school in Bandar Utama earlier today.
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