Mara to summon principals, counseling teachers to deal with bullying issues

SHAH ALAM - Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki will summon several parties in the near future to address the bullying issue at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) including principals and the counselling teachers.

He revealed that he had also received complaints today from parents and students who are victims of bullying at one of the MRSM colleges.

"In the near future, I will summon all the parties involved, be it the principals, the counselling teachers, wardens and other related parties at the central level to ensure the issues are dealt with holistically and comprehensively," he said in a Facebook post today.

At the same time, Asyraf insisted that he can no longer accept trivial reasons for bullying.

He stressed that excuses which makes bullying seem like a normal part of dormitory life and preventing bullying victims from reporting to their parents also need to stop.

"The culture of 'jibam' or boycotting students who make reports is also a form of offence and should not be practiced.

Asyraf also described bullying as a type of illness that shouldn't be taken lightly as it can physically and emotionally scar the students involved.

"Both are serious illnesses that need to be treated and curbed as it can harm the children's mental, physical and psychological development," he said.