FORMER education minister Dr Maszlee Malik voiced out against bullying incidents, saying the one that claimed the life of Muhd Nazmie Aizat is not a new thing in this country, and anyone can fall victim to such acts.
He said such incidents do not only happen in hostels but also in institutes of higher learning (IPT), training centres, military camps, workplaces, business premises, cyberspace, politics, in the family, at home, in public places and on the road and against foreigners.
“Bullying occurs when a group of people feel that they are stronger, noble, powerful or braver than the victims of bullying because they do not respect and even look down on the victims.
“Bullies are usually a group of cowards, only brave when their numbers are large and in groups. Bullies do not dare to face each other in a ‘civilised’ manner or negotiate in a civilised manner,” he penned on his Facebook page.
The latest incident involves a vocational college student in Lahad Datu, Muhd Nazmie Aizat Muhd Narul Azwan, 17, who was found dead in his dormitory room, believed to have been beaten last Friday (March 22).
Reports stated he was beaten after money went missing, and a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the incident in which a fellow hostel resident was also involved.
Dr Maszlee stressed that anyone can become a victim of bullying if the act is normalised or popularized and not prevented.
“People of all races, ethnicities, religions and cultures in this country need to see and respond to bullying as a sinful, immoral and criminal act that must be curbed and eliminated from the dictionary of people’s lives,” he added.
He further added that the task of eradicating bullying is not solely the responsibility of the school but needs to be borne by all parties by making it a condemned and forbidden crime in society and he urges a campaign of awareness on the matter. – March 24, 2024
