Kota Kinabalu: The Education Minister cannot turn a blind eye to fresh allegations of bullying at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Kinarut, while a coroner’s inquest is ongoing to determine the cause of death a year ago of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Senior counsel in the inquiry Datuk Ram Singh made the call after lodging a second police report, Saturday, in Luyang over the latest alleged incident.
“This report is lodged in the public interest to ensure that the safety and welfare of all students remain a paramount consideration, and that incidents of this nature do not recur.
“I will not stop lodging reports for the sake of the children and their safety,” he said, and called on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to view the spate of incidents seriously.
He also wanted police to carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine whether there was negligence, dereliction of duty, or any other offence under the law on the part of any person or authority responsible.
“I further request that the investigation examine whether there has been any failure to comply with the procedures, policies or guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), the Sabah Education Department (JPNS) or the school’s management in ensuring the safety, welfare and protection of its students.
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Referring to the latest incident involving three male secondary students who bullied a Form One student in May, in which a police report was lodged by the victim’s dad and the trio being charged in Papar court, he said:
“The incident is deeply alarming, particularly as it occurred while the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Zara is ongoing.
“It raises serious questions as to whether there are deficiencies in the school’s disciplinary system, supervision, hostel management and the overall monitoring of student safety and welfare.
“I request that police investigate whether the relevant authorities had implemented the necessary administrative measures, monitoring mechanisms and preventive steps following the earlier incident to prevent the recurrence.
“Should the investigation reveal any negligence, breach of duty, or violation of the law by any responsible individual or agency, I request that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Last Sunday, Ram lodged a report over another female student who fell from the first floor of the school and allegedly broke her leg. He also wanted police to investigate whether it was true that she left a suicide note.
The Education Department, in an unsigned statement, admitted 48 hours after the incident was reported but only said she did not suffer serious injuries.
Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Jikun said all inquiries should be directed to the department. However, the Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin did not respond to media inquiries. It was learnt that he was nearing his retirement.
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