Don't Cover Up Bullying Cases To Protect School's Image - PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, July 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri 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 Ministry of Education staff here, today.

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 make this matter a very important attitude. It does not mean that when a case that causes a stir in the country occurs, it means that 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.

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

Meanwhile, the prime minister said that the feedback received directly from students when going to the field often provides a clearer picture of the real situation in schools.

According to him, the information shared by students 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 director of education, they will also (explain) everything is okay," he said.

-- BERNAMA