SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — Parti Amanah Negara president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today called on experts to propose ways to restore discipline in schools, while also questioning whether the “rotan” or caning of students should be reintroduced as a disciplinary measure.
Speaking at Amanah’s national convention here, Mohamad, who is also minister of agriculture and food security, said education should not only be about certificates or passing examinations, but should also be about respecting teachers and inculcating values in children.
He remarked that parents are now worried that their children would turn bad after being sent to schools, and that the character of students is now a key issue.
“We who have children, grandchildren, are now worried about what is going on, issues of bullying and other issues that happen in schools now.
“We hope that the relevant quarters, professors, intellectuals, those who study psychology, all must come together and find solutions on restoring discipline and harmony in schools,” he said in off-the-cuff remarks.
“Should ‘rotan’ return to schools?” he then asked. Mohamad shared a personal anecdote where his father would also cane him upon discovering that he had been caned by teachers in school.
He contrasted this with the present, where parents would lodge police reports if teachers cane students, and which would result in teachers facing trial in court.
“We leave this to the wise ones in the Education Ministry and psychology experts to study and present to the government on the best way to control the current situation,” he concluded.
