KUALA LUMPUR: There is no excuse for preventing Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) from implementing anti-bullying initiatives at its Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) schools.
Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the organisation would find ways to make the initiative a reality, especially if it involves funding.
“Funding can be found, but what is a budget compared to death? Lives are lost… people’s souls and minds are tormented when they are bullied.
“Even after they leave school, the victims will carry those scars forever. This is something that money can’t quantify — and perhaps, one day, the victim may become a perpetrator.
“So, how long are we going to keep saying we need to save the budget? If we’re so focused on saving costs, we might as well not have dormitories,” he said during the ‘Lebih Masa’ podcast hosted by Setiawangsa member of parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and presenter Nani Roslan.
Asyraf said he would not compromise with anyone when it comes to bullying.
“Until when do we allow this issue to continue? Maybe some people say to just let it be, that it is just a small matter, or it is a way to help students mature.
“But this is the mindset that allows this behaviour that eventually leads to extreme levels and death.
“The death of Zara (Zara Qairina Mahathir) was just a trigger, but there have been many deaths reported,” he said.
In addition to intervention and education, he said, law enforcement and regulations are also crucial to resolving the issue.
“If these two things are not aligned and we only educate and provide motivation, it will not succeed. Because when you look at reality, perpetrators know they can always avoid or escape from their actions.
“This cannot be… we have to show firmness. ‘If you touch (someone), you will face action’.
“This applies not only to students, but also to teachers or principals who try to hide bullying issues; they will also face action,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
