KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar today said Malaysia should consult experts before attempting to reintroduce corporal punishment in schools.
Speaking after paying her last respects to 16-year-old schoolgirl Yap Shing Xuen, who was fatally stabbed by a schoolmate, she said the decision was ultimately up to the government.
Nurul Izzah‘s father, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was reported as saying that teachers should be allowed to cane students under strict conditions.
“It is important for us to always celebrate the views of experts. We work together to fulfil the agenda of safe schools, a safe environment,” she said.
“It is not easy; so, for me, I hope that more stakeholders and experts can weigh in and be part of this process. It’s an ongoing process and it’s not going to be simple,” she added.
Astro Awani earlier reported the prime minister as suggesting that there should be space for teachers to cane students, provided it is done in a “prudent manner” and with strict conditions.
On Oct 14, Yap died after she was allegedly stabbed by a 14-year-old schoolmate at a Bandar Utama school.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene and has since been remanded by the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court.
