PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that the country’s education system which emphasises more on academic knowledge rather than inculcating values, morals or ethical principles may have contributed to the rise of bullying in schools.,
He said weaknesses in the national education system inherited from the past had created flaws and such shortcomings had contributed to cases of misconduct in schools, including recent incidents of bullying and sexual assault.
Speaking at the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) here today, he said teachers should not be solely blamed for incidents of immoral behaviour among students as the responsibility must also be shouldered by parents.
The prime minister expressed hope for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, parents, and the community to address these weaknesses and nurture a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also morally upright
“Hopefully, we will have the determination to do what is best for our families, our society, and our country,” he said.
Recently, police confirmed that four 17-year-old male students, who are scheduled to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination next month, were remanded for six days for allegedly raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Alor Gajah last week.
Following the incident, the Education Ministry announced it is implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen student safety and discipline, including a proposal to draft an Anti-Bullying Act under a tribunal system currently being reviewed by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU).
— BERNAMA