No place for bullying in schools, zero tolerance, says PM Anwar

Bukit Mertajam (Aug 28): Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly stated that there must be no tolerance for bullying in schools, emphasizing the importance of creating a knowledgeable, civilised, and morally upright generation. He stressed that students, teachers, and all involved must collaborate to reject bullying and the culture of insulting and belittling others.

"There is no place for arrogant individuals who bully others merely because they are stronger," he asserted. Anwar addressed this during the Temu Anwar Bersama Pelajar session held at the Teachers Education Institute, Tuanku Bainun campus, where he also reminded the audience that allowing such a culture to persist could negatively impact the character development of young people and the country's future.

He pointed out that schools should stop bullying, insulting, and abusive behaviour to prevent its perpetuation into later life, including among future leaders. Anwar cautioned against negative labeling of entire schools based on a few bullying cases, noting that while a school may have 1,000 students, only a small number may be involved in bullying.

He stressed the need for schools to cultivate a culture of discipline, mutual respect, and the rejection of insulting or belittling others, including discrimination based on skin colour. Education, according to Anwar, is about producing academically outstanding students and nurturing individuals with good manners and strong moral values to ensure national progress aligns with humanity.

He also recalled his decision as Education Minister to relocate a proposed teachers' college from Penang Island to Seberang Perai, which became the current Tuanku Bainun Teachers Education Institute campus. Anwar, who served as Education Minister from 1987 to 1990, also announced that the government would allocate RM200,000 for maintenance works at the campus.