12/09/2025

FRIDAY | SEPT 12, 2025

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Anti-bullying law expected to be enforced next year

Travel freeze seen as step to refocus on domestic priorities

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s order to freeze ministers’ overseas travel has been described as both a show of political discipline and an urgent administrative step ahead of Budget 2026 and the Asean Summit in October. Analysts said the directive sends a clear message that the Cabinet must prioritise domestic governance at a critical juncture for Anwar’s administration although some see it as a sign of political caution. Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said the move could pre-empt disunity within government ranks. “It is likely also to prevent ministers from plotting unfriendly political manoeuvres overseas, similar to what some of their predecessors did ahead of the 2020 Sheraton Move,” he said, referring to the defections that toppled the Pakatan Harapan government. He, however, said such risks were an inevitable part of Malaysia’s political landscape. “The nature of parliamentary democracy is such that plots and defections are always possible. This is like playing musical chairs – you need to be on constant alert to plug the various holes.” Beyond politics, he suggested the freeze was also aimed at ensuring ministers strengthen their command of their portfolios and embed Anwar’s Madani principles in policy-making rather than leaving the work entirely to bureaucrats. Still, he noted that ministries such as International Trade and Industry, Tourism and Foreign would likely be exempted from the freeze. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Prof Syaza Shukri said the directive underlined Anwar’s intent to keep his Cabinet focused on pressing national matters. “I think Anwar is trying to show that his Cabinet is serious when it comes to Budget 2026 because there are many things at stake, foremost of course is the survivability of his coalition going into GE16.” She stressed that subsidy rationalisation, economic reforms and cost-of-living measures would require extensive coordination across ministries. “Since the freeze is only for a month and senior officials can still travel, the impact on governance should be limited.” Universiti Malaya analyst Dr Tawfik Yaakub said the freeze reflected a“new work style”and should be seen as part of Anwar’s broader strategy to consolidate political stability. “It is a timely move to rally both government and citizens towards reviving the economy, stabilising politics and restoring confidence in the administration,” he said, adding that the Cabinet should be viewed as a ‘wartime Cabinet’ facing severe domestic and global pressures. Tawfik said tighter political control could help Malaysia avoid being drawn into unfavourable blocs, while also saving costs that could be redirected to domestic monitoring of policies and projects. UKM political analyst Dr Kartini Aboo Talib said the decision was a signal of Anwar’s intent to reinforce Cabinet discipline at a time when the political climate remains fluid. “This reflects the prime minister’s intention to ensure his ministers’ direct involvement in policy planning and their physical presence in budget committees and technical meetings. Unnecessary overseas travel could disrupt this momentum.” She added that ministries dependent on international engagement would need to rely more on hybrid tools such as digital diplomacy and permanent representatives abroad, although Malaysia’s visibility in global forums could dip in the short term. On Wednesday, it was announced that Anwar had ordered ministers to be grounded with immediate effect, except for urgent matters approved by his office. He said the freeze was necessary to ensure the Cabinet remained focused on national priorities.

o Proposed Act aims to balance punishment with rehabilitation, complement existing school and court mechanisms, says minister

PUTRAJAYA: is fast-tracking a new Anti-Bullying Act, aiming for enforcement next year following a nationwide roadshow and public consultation concluding at the end of this month. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the draft for the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 will be presented to the Cabinet in December. “We hope to secure passage in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, so that the law can be enforced next year. That is how quickly this government intends to act,” she told reporters after the Tribunal Townhall on Anti-Bully: # GenerasiTanpaBuli session yesterday. A dedicated portal will remain open until the end of this month for the public to submit feedback, which will be reviewed before the Bill is finalised. “The ministry has so far received a wide range of views touching on responsibility and liability, particularly concerning cases involving those under 18,” Azalina said, underlining the importance of stakeholder input. Another key question, she noted, is whether the Act should apply strictly to school-aged children or be expanded more broadly, similar to the Sexual Harassment Tribunal. “This will be an important consideration in the drafting of the Bill from the legal perspective. Our timeline is clear: the nationwide roadshow must be completed by the end of September. This will allow us to consolidate all input before presenting the matter to the Cabinet,” she added. Azalina emphasised that while the Education Ministry already handles school-related cases, the proposed tribunal will act as a complementary mechanism, particularly for under-reported or ignored incidents. “Students and parents will not be denied access to existing systems, but the tribunal provides an alternative channel. “Similarly, for criminal cases, there are instances where certain offences are treated as minor. Experts have stressed the need for not just punishment, but also rehabilitation and intervention.” She added that serious cases, such as bullying leading to death, will still fall under the Penal Code and be dealt with in Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com The government

Azalina, flanked by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek during the Tribunal Town Hall on Anti-Bullying yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

protection counselling, compensation and rehabilitation. Serious offences remain under police and court jurisdiction. Complaints may be filed through schools or directly to the tribunal in cases involving adults, inaction by schools, or severe psychological harm; 0 child-friendly, non-adversarial proceedings with safeguards such as guardian support, video links and informal attire; 0 remedies ranging from protection orders and counselling to audits, compliance notices and mandatory training for institutions; and 0 an independent Anti-Bullying Commissioner under the Prime Minister’s Department to coordinate policies, maintain a national case registry and drive prevention efforts. Thiyagu said the task force will present its findings in October, with the Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament by December, adding that with the law Malaysia is shifting from a purely punitive approach towards prevention, protection and restorative justice. orders,

criminal courts. “The tribunal acts as an intermediary between school systems and the courts, sending a strong message to both bullies and victims that the government is establishing a more responsive mechanism. We are committed to walk the talk,” Azalina said. Townhall sessions will continue in Selangor on Sept 18, Johor on Sept 19, followed by Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Ipoh and other states. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) deputy director-general Thiyagu Ganesan said a special task force has been formed under Cabinet direction to review current laws and assess the feasibility of the legislation. Speaking at the townhall, Thiyagu outlined proposals under the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, including: 0 a broad definition of bullying – physical, verbal, social, psychological and digital – primarily protecting those under 18. Schools include public, private, religious, boarding, training and enrichment centres; 0 a new anti-bullying tribunal to handle non-serious cases, with powers to issue

Character education programme to instil morals PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is launching a nationwide character education programme in 2026, aimed at tackling bullying and instilling strong values in students, with full implementation set for 2027. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the initiative will focus on personality development, morals, etiquette and integrity alongside academic learning. rankings in place. What matters is that every principal and administrator has a responsibility to report cases transparently and act when incidents occur,“ she said, stressing that schools must not compromise on this duty. Fadhlina added that the proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal will complement existing school mechanisms, giving victims and parents additional channels if cases are mishandled or left unreported. take full responsibility to address bullying in all its forms,“ she said.

“It is a moral obligation rooted in the basic principles of education, which prioritise values, character and integrity,“ she added. The minister emphasised that all bullying cases must be investigated fairly and administrators must act with full accountability. To encourage reporting, the ministry has revamped its complaints system, allowing students to lodge reports anonymously if they fear reprisals. “We want to assure students that they have safe avenues to report and we will take action. Do not be afraid. The government will

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the townhall session allowed the government to hear public feedback directly. He added that similar sessions nationwide would help shape the Anti-Bullying Bill into legislation that reflects the experiences and concerns of students, schools, and families. “My hope is that today marks the first step in a series of sessions and, God willing, we will travel across the country to gather input from the public so this law truly responds to their needs,“ Fahmi said. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND FAIZ RUZMAN

“This initiative will provide a foundation for holistic growth and ensure that children develop strong values and resilience,“ she told reporters after the Tribunal Anti-Bully Townhall 2025 session yesterday. Fadhlina dismissed claims that school ranking systems or financial incentives encouraged under-reporting of bullying cases. “There are no such rewards or official