KUCHING, Oct 19 — The proposal to bring back the ‘rotan‘ (caning) in schools has divided opinion among parents and educators.
Those supporting this believe that it can help restore discipline and respect among the students, but the critics argue that corporal punishment is outdated and may risk causing more harm than good.
For 45-year-old teacher and father of four, Thomas Majing Mujah, reinstating corporal punishment is necessary as he believes students today have lost respect for their teachers and school authority.
“It is important to remember that caning students is not about abuse, punishment or causing injury, but a process of instilling discipline, integrity and remorse in them so that they will not repeat their mistakes,” he told thesundaypost.
According to him, students nowadays often mock or challenge teachers without hesitation, and this attitude needs to be rectified early.
“Parents must also pay attention to their children’s discipline and should not immediately side with them when they break the rules.
“Some parents would rush to make police reports or even sue the teachers, when all the teachers wanted was to guide their children to become better individuals,” he said.
Private sector employee Roza Jasmin Johan, 30, agreed that caning could play a role in maintaining discipline, but emphasised that it must be carried out with care, control and strict ethical boundaries.
“Physical punishment such as caning is viewed as a form of education intended to make students aware of the consequences of their wrongdoings.”
However, Roza also stressed that such enforcement must be monitored closely to prevent misuse or emotional harm.
“Its implementation must be accompanied by strict guidelines and close-monitoring to ensure that it remains within an ethical educational framework,” she added.
Echoing similar concern, engineer Jim Lasang, 36, who has three children, said corporal punishment should be reintroduced only under strict regulation.
“Some students respond better to firmer discipline, but the teachers must distinguish between necessary correction and abuse.”
Jim added that while caning might encourage short-term obedience, it should not be treated as a long-term solution.
“The Education Ministry should focus on teaching students respect through understanding, guidance and consistent boundaries.”
Both Roza and Jim also agreed that schools should place greater emphasis on students’ emotional well-being by strengthening the counselling services and expanding programmes that would promote leadership, problem-solving and mental health awareness.
Meanwhile, government officer Dr Petrus Basik, 41, disagreed with the proposal, arguing that while caning might have worked in the past, it was no longer a suitable solution in today’s world.
“In my opinion, caning may create short-term obedience, but it doesn’t always teach real respect.
“Students may follow the rules because they’re afraid, but not because they understand right and wrong, and in the long run, this does not help build character.”
He also warned of the potential for physical and emotional harm.
“Even with good intentions, accidents happen; as caning can leave lasting mental scars.”
He believed that there were better alternatives such as counselling, restorative practices and stronger collaboration between schools and parents.
“Schools should focus more on modern and effective discipline methods that promote respect and good behaviour without violence.
“That’s the best way forward for Malaysian education,” he added. — The Borneo Post
