24/10/2025

FRIDAY | OCT 24, 2025

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Reinstate caning in schools, but with strict controls: PM o Anwar says corporal punishment could restore discipline if carried out responsibly and within clear limits

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He acknowledged, however, that human rights groups view any form of physical punishment as child abuse, adding that the issue is sensitive and requires careful deliberation. On the case of two teachers from Chung Hwa Confucian High School in Penang charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code with caning students, Anwar said the matter is currently before the court. He noted that one of the students involved reportedly has autism and urged prosecutors to consider the context of the incident. “If the case turns out to be minor and involves reasonable disciplinary action, the public prosecutor may review or reduce the charge.” Anwar also supported the idea of restricting social media use among students under 16, noting that several countries have already implemented similar measures. “It’s not about banning phones entirely, but limiting access to social media in schools,” he said, citing concerns over exposure to online gaming, gambling and paedophiles. The prime minister said the broader goal of discipline and education should be to nurture both knowledge and character. “If we want to uphold values in our education system, we cannot ignore ethics and manners. Knowledge must come with adab (morals).” religious or cultural rights but about preserving the integrity of schools as institutions of learning and moral development. “Sometimes our non-Muslim friends misunderstand. It’s not about denying their rights. But schools are institutions of knowledge, morals and values. If we start allowing leeway for activities involving gambling or alcohol within school grounds, it would send the wrong message,”he said, stressing that cultural norms in schools should reflect shared Malaysian values. “Outside school grounds, that’s their right, no one is questioning that. They can hold such events elsewhere, but not in schools,” he said, adding that the Education Ministry is reviewing and strengthening existing regulations. Commenting on private or non-government schools, Anwar said the matter is more complex as it involves questions of jurisdiction. “However, for government-owned schools, I don’t believe we should compromise on these principles.” Anwar dismissed suggestions that his stance amounted to imposing Islamic values on others, saying his concern stemmed from a broader educational philosophy. “My intention is not to enforce Islamic views. The question is whether education is merely about gaining knowledge and skills, or about shaping human character and values. I believe we all agree there must be boundaries – some things are permissible, others are not. “I am inclined not to allow such festivals, including those organised by government bodies, whether before or after school hours, as seen recently.”

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said caning should be reinstated in schools to restore discipline among students, but with tight control and clear rules to prevent abuse. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar stressed that his remark was a personal view and not an official government policy, adding that the proposal must be carefully reviewed and discussed with education stakeholders before any decision is made. “Caning should be brought back, but with strict control – not public or excessive caning – perhaps just on the hand, not in a way that causes injury.” He was responding to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who asked whether the government would allow teachers discretionary power to discipline students through caning. Anwar, who previously served as a teacher, said he personally believed that moderate corporal punishment can be effective when carried out responsibly. “I used to be a teacher and I have caned many students, but only on the hand, never to the point of abuse. Many educators and parents feel there is still a need for caning, provided there are clear rules – who can cane, how it’s done and what the limits are.” KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his firm stance against the use of school premises for events involving alcohol or gambling, saying such activities contradict the nation’s educational philosophy and moral values. Anwar said the school environment, even after official hours, must remain consistent with its role as a place of learning and character development. “On the beer festival, I agree that school premises must avoid being associated with such activities. Even after school hours, the school hall, for example, should not be used for events that violate school rules,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to a supplementary question from Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadli Shaari (PAS), who had raised concerns over the recent serving of alcohol at an alumni gathering at St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh. Anwar, who is also Tambun MP, said while some organisers may claim such events are held by independent bodies, the presence of alcohol or gambling goes against the spirit of education. “This is not educating our children. It goes against our own educational philosophy and concept. The Education minister briefed me on this matter last month and has already taken steps to tighten the rules.” Anwar also called for understanding from non-Muslim communities, clarifying that the government’s position is not about restricting Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

TRADITION AND GRACE ... The Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz during their royal wedding reception on Wednesday at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, which featured blessings, prayers and a banquet attended by dignitaries. – BERNAMAPIC World leaders converge on KL for Asean Summit PETALING JAYA: The upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur will gather all 11 Asean member states – including Timor-Leste – alongside a wide lineup of world leaders from every region, as Malaysia assumes the chairmanship and takes centre stage in regional diplomacy. Fifa President Gianni Infantino. “This participation reflects Asean’s continuity and the proactive efforts of our ministries – particularly the Foreign, Home and Investment, Trade and Industry ministries.” He added that Malaysia has been playing an increasingly active role in promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation.

Beer, gaming events off-limits at learning institutions

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the summit will showcase Asean’s growing global influence, with participation from leaders representing Asia, the Americas, Europe, South America and Africa. He listed several world leaders confirmed to attend, including: 0 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 0 Chinese Premier Li Qiang 0 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 0 New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon 0 South Korean President Lee Jae-myung 0 Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Ovarchuk (representing Vladimir Putin) 0 United States President Donald Trump 0 Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva 0 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney 0 European Council President Antonio Costa 0 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anwar confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the summit virtually. Myanmar’s acting president Min Aung Hlaing, however, will not be attending, reaffirming Asean’s commitment to the Five Point Consensus on resolving the country’s political crisis. Instead, Myanmar will be represented by a non-political delegate. The summit will also see participation from regional and international organisations such as the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, the East Asia Business Council, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, the International Labour Organisation and even

Anwar revealed that the Thailand– Cambodia border dispute is close to being resolved, with defence ministers from both countries expected to finalise the terms within the next two days. “If both sides reach an agreement, the signing ceremony will be witnessed by me and President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for this resolution,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. He also highlighted Malaysia’s role in helping to secure an expanded ceasefire in Myanmar. “Although Thailand also contributed significantly, Malaysia’s engagement helped secure the Myanmar government’s agreement to halt major attacks, allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered without obstruction for the first time.” Anwar said Malaysia will continue to advocate for a more proactive Asean in addressing regional conflicts. “Previous Asean leaderships emphasised ‘neutrality’ to a point that constrained engagement. That is why the term was refined – from ‘neutrality’ to ‘centrality’. “Neutrality suggests total detachment, but centrality allows us to remain connected, to interact and engage while staying independent and cohesive.” He added that constructive engagement remains key, pointing to Malaysia’s mediation role in the Thailand-Cambodia border issue and ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. – By Harith Kamal