Minister’s Zero-Bullying Incentive Plan Faces Backlash
Education Minister’s Pledge Sparks Debate
The tragic case of Zara Qairina has reignited nationwide concerns about bullying in schools. In response, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently announced that schools achieving zero bullying cases would be rewarded with incentives.
She made the pledge during her visit to SMK Dr Burhanuddin in Taiping on 16 August, emphasizing that eradicating bullying should become a core performance indicator for school administrations.
Critics Warn Of Hidden Dangers
While the initiative may sound promising on the surface, critics were quick to point out its major flaw. Many fear that the incentive could push schools to cover up or underreport bullying cases rather than addressing them directly.
This, they argue, would not only embolden bullies but also place victims at even greater risk by silencing their voices.
The Education Ministry has already been criticized for ineffective approaches in tackling bullying, with many calling for more practical and evidence-based solutions.
Previous Measures Already Questioned
This isn’t the first time the ministry’s anti-bullying measures have faced scrutiny. Just last week, Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad instructed school principals and headmasters to lead chants of “Kami Benci Buli” (We hate bullying) before and after classes.
The move, reported by The Star, was ridiculed by the public as a meaningless symbolic gesture that trivialized a very serious issue.
Experts Call For Sustainable Solutions
Education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia stressed that what schools need is a sustainable, structured plan rather than temporary fixes or symbolic gestures.
His suggestions include:
- Installing CCTV cameras, especially in secluded areas of schools.
- Hiring full-time wardens for hostels.
- Introducing a School Wellbeing Index to track student safety, health, and school facilities.
He also pointed out that Malaysia could take lessons from Australia, which has successfully implemented evidence-based strategies through clear rules, guidelines, and educational modules to reduce bullying.
Moving Forward
With public confidence already shaky, the Education Ministry now faces mounting pressure to act decisively and realistically. While incentives may create short-term motivation, many believe only long-term structural reforms will truly make schools safer for all children.
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