Proposal to suspend bullies from school needs in-depth discussion

A proposal to suspend bullies from school for a year requires an in-depth discussion before any decision is made.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the relevant parties, including representatives of children, parents and NGOs need to sit down to discuss the proposal to find the best solution.

She said the act of suspending a student for a year from school will not necessarily improve the situation and there may be other methods to solve bullying in schools.

"Action has to be taken because we cannot allow our children to become bullies, however, serious discussions need to be held so that there will be a win-win situation," she told reporters at the Parliament lobby here today.

She said that any action should also be based on the law in accordance with the Children Act (Amendment) 2016.

Yesterday, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry proposed that students who bully other students in their school be suspended for a year as a lesson to them (bullying students).

Mahdzir said that during the period of suspension, the student will be involved with charity work or enter a rehabilitation centre as a condition for readmission to school. -- Bernama