KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he personally supports allowing caning in schools, provided it is strictly supervised and not abused.
“This is my own view, not a government policy. As many members of parliament agree that caning should be allowed, but kept within bounds. Not in public, only in a designated room and never to the point of abuse,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Anwar was responding to R.S.N. Rayer (PH- Jelutong), who said caning was an effective form of punishment and questioned the fate of two Penang school-teachers who face up to 10 years in prison and whipping after being charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code for caning a student.
“The teachers face charges even though the caning took place in the disciplinary room,” Rayer said.
“But because of a complaint, they were charged under Section 324. Will the government consider dropping these charges, as they potentially face 10 years’ imprisonment and whipping?”
Anwar said while he supported the return of caning, it should be strictly regulated.
“My personal view is that it should be brought back under strict conditions, not public caning, and only on the palm. Allowing caning does not mean giving teachers free rein.
“I was a teacher myself. I caned many of my pupils, but only on the hand or palm and never to the point of abuse.”
He acknowledged that some human rights groups viewed caning as child abuse, and he understood the controversy.
“There must be clear rules, such as using a designated disciplinary room and capping the number of strokes. That way, parents should not have to worry.”
He added that mischief among children was normal, but when they go too far, punishment was sometimes necessary.
“But again, this is my personal view, not a government policy. This matter should be studied and discussed with all stakeholders, which will be facilitated by the education minister before any decision is finalised.”
Regarding the two Penang teachers, Anwar said the case is now before the courts.
On Oct 6, teachers Choong Kean Beng and Lau Teik Hwa pleaded not guilty to hitting a student with a cane in two incidents two years ago.
They were charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping or any two of these punishments.
On another matter, Anwar said the government would allow policemen to patrol near schools to ensure students’ safety.
He said the decision was made in light of the increasing cases of bullying, abuse and crime in schools.
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