PM’s Dept to hold dialogue with students on Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) will hold a dialogue with about 200 primary and secondary school students on Oct 6 to gather their views on the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill currently being drafted by the government.

Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic) said the session is crucial to obtain a clearer picture of students’ awareness of bullying, as they are the group most directly affected by the issue.

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“If we look closely, their views are quite distinct, and they place high expectations on the system being developed, while recognising that bullying is a problem that must be addressed urgently.

“They also speak thoughtfully about awareness and pre-emptive strategies. I see this as a positive sign, as it shows young people understand the seriousness of the problem,” she told a press conference after launching the anti-bullying townhall session here on Monday (Sept 29).

ALSO READ: More town halls to shape anti-bullying Bill

Elaborating on the dialogue session, Azalina said the first phase focuses on students under the age of 18, based on the advice of the Children’s Commissioner and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), while the second phase will involve higher education students in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry.

Azalina said once the Anti-Bullying Tribunal is established, all bullying complaints lodged online will remain confidential, while complainants will be protected by the tribunal when cases are brought to hearing.

She said the tribunal will also cover cases occurring outside school grounds, as bullying may occur outside. – Bernama