The Education Ministry should ascertain the proposed one-year suspension on school students who are involved in bullying cases, if it is implemented, does not deny them their right to receive education.
An expert in family law, women and children from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said there was also a need to ascertain that the proposed move was not in conflict with the existing criminal justice system for child offenders.
"Regardless of what happened or offences committed, the rights of children, i.e. those below the age of 18, to receive education cannot be denied.
"If the school decides the matter (bully case) first before it is taken to the court, or if the school wants to handle the case by suspending the student involved, it means the school has denied the child the right to study," she said when contacted by Bernama.
Last week, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had suggested a one-year suspension on school students who are involved in bullying cases and said that the ministry would get feedback from the public on the plan.
Noor Aziah said the establishment of schools in prisons or Integrity School and the Henry School for young offenders or juveniles clearly proved that children should continue with their schooling, regardless of the offence they committed.
The children, she said, should be given guidance, instead of being punished.
"There have to be a reason that cause a child to be a bully, and we, as members of the society and parents, should be responsible for our children, if they bully others," she added.
Meanwhile, director of the Institute of Crime and Criminology at Help University, Datuk Akhbar Satar opined that suspending students involved in bullying cases from school could result in them to be involved in more serious offences, like theft, drug abuse and others.
"Of course, it will be stated that the children will be involved in charity work or be sent for rehabilitation during the suspension period, but can we control them for a year," he added.
He suggested that students involved in bullying cases to be sent for counselling.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Kamarozaman Abd Razak said the proposed one-year suspension should be reviewed as the duration was too long and could create various other implications.
However, National Parent-Teacher Association Collaborative Council president Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Ali viewed the proposed one-year suspension as an effective way to teach student bullies. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Oct 19 2016
Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal says if the school wants to handle the case by suspending the student involved, it means it has denied the child the right to study. - FreeImages.com (Photo for illustration purpose)
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.