Stop protecting bullies, says assistant minister after death of student

KOTA KINABALU (July 18): Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Fairuz Renddan has called on school authorities and those in charge to act decisively against bullying and to stop shielding the perpetrators.

He said it is unacceptable for bullies to be protected just because they are students too.

“If there is a bullying victim, there must be a bully in the school, and that requires firm action. They must be taught a hard lesson and the authorities must step in immediately.

“We should not protect immoral bullies by hiding their identities just because they are also students.

“Today they bully their schoolmates; tomorrow, when they become adults, who will they pick on? These are the seeds of criminal behaviour that can destroy the harmony of our society,” he said in a statement here on Friday.

Fairuz warned that repeated bullying incidents are like a festering wound that needs urgent attention for the safety and wellbeing of students.

“We send our children to school to learn, to gain knowledge, to make friends and to chase their dreams of becoming useful citizens.

“What is the point if there are destructive elements like bullies, and yet the school or those responsible remain silent? How long must the victims and their families suffer in this unfair situation?

“I am pleading, I am calling on all those in charge to tackle this issue of bullying once and for all. Help us educate our children, and mete out the appropriate punishment because we must put a stop to this gangster culture in our schools,” he stressed.

His statement comes in the wake of a viral incident involving a Form One student at SMA Tun Datu Mustafa Limauan in Papar, who died after falling from the third floor of the school building last Wednesday.

The victim was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to her injuries on Thursday night. Fairuz also extended his condolences to the victim’s family.

“As a father, this breaks my heart. I imagine my own children at school.

“Sometimes I feel powerless when such incidents happen. Our children, whom we raise and protect like precious gems, losing their lives in ways we never thought possible.

“I hope justice will prevail. Do not protect the bullies. Do not let this culture continue to exist in our schools. It must stop, and it must stop now,” he said.