Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate end to bullying in schools, workplaces, and hospitals, stressing that the government will not tolerate physical or psychological abuse. Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department, he emphasized the need to eradicate the culture of bullying.
Anwar’s remarks come in the wake of several high-profile cases, including the recent death of Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir and the 12-year-old case of tahfiz student Wan Ahmad Faris Wan Abdul Rahman. Zara was found unconscious on July 16 after allegedly falling from her school hostel in Papar, Sabah, and later died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. Her mother, Noraidah Lamat, reported bruises on Zara’s back prior to her burial. An inquest into her death is expected to begin later this month or early September.
Wan Ahmad Faris was ruled to have been murdered by an unidentified person in a 2016 coroner’s court ruling.
Anwar also highlighted reports of workplace bullying, including an incident involving a houseman at a Tawau hospital who suffered depression and attempted suicide due to persistent harassment.
Regarding Zara’s death, Anwar said that allegations of bullying—which police have not dismissed—will be thoroughly investigated. He added that Bukit Aman’s integrity and standards compliance department is reviewing the conduct of a district police chief, a district CID chief, and an investigating officer over possible lapses during the investigation.
“Mistakes were made in the course of the investigation, but believe me, we are doing all we can,” Anwar said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
