PUTRAJAYA, July 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated his call for schools not to conceal cases of bullying or abuse simply to protect the image and performance of their institutions.
He said covering up such incidents would only worsen the situation, as problems that initially appear minor could develop into more serious injustices if left unaddressed.
"The injustice starts there (bullying and violence). Violent and cruel actions begin there. That is why, at the earliest stage, the matter must be addressed, regardless of how big or small it may be," he said while addressing a meeting with Ministry of Education (MOE) staff today.
The prime minister also stressed that principals and headmasters must be transparent in dealing with bullying cases and should not regard the disclosure of such incidents as something that tarnishes a school's reputation.
According to Anwar, an incident of bullying at a school does not mean the institution has failed as a whole. Instead, it should be treated as an issue requiring immediate action.
School image should not come first
"On this platform, I am reminding principals and headmasters to treat this as a matter of utmost importance. It does not mean that when a case that attracts national attention occurs, the school has failed.
"I do not take that view. If a headmaster chooses to disclose such a case, I respect him because he is not trying to protect the school's image or performance," he said.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, reminded schools that the safety and well-being of students must always remain the top priority, as parents send their children to school expecting them to be in a safe environment.
Students provide valuable insights
Meanwhile, the prime minister said feedback received directly from students during his visits often provides a clearer picture of the actual situation in schools.
He said information shared by students sometimes differs from official reports, as school management often has to take various factors into account before providing explanations.
"I enjoy speaking to these children because I regard them as my grandchildren, and they tell me things as they are.
"If you ask the director-general, the answer may be a little convoluted because he wants to defend himself. If you go to the school and ask the principal, or the state education director, they will also tell you everything is fine," he said.
