Azalina said the Cabinet would decide whether the proposed Anti-Bullying Bill should be split into two frameworks – one for minors under 18 and another for adults – to ensure that each group is treated according to its context.
“Many have asked whether we should have one law for all or separate laws for different age groups. The Cabinet will have to decide on this, and I will present the pros and cons,” she told reporters after moderating a forum on Nation Building and Future Resilience: Youth and Bullying held in conjunction with the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFuture) 2025 here today.
“The technical committee will continue engagement sessions across the east coast and in Sabah and Sarawak to refine the bill.”
Azalina said the bill would also pave the way for an anti-bullying tribunal, offering victims an alternative avenue to seek justice, especially those dissatisfied with how the authorities or schools handle their cases.
She said the proposal is being carefully studied, given its wide scope covering more than 10,000 schools and 5.1 million students nationwide.
The proposed tribunal would expedite investigations, as it would not be bound by other criminal cases handled by the police.
She said the ministry is also studying the creation of a quasi-judicial mechanism, or a specialised court-like platform, to resolve cases more swiftly and confidentially through mediation or sanctions.
“This bill will allow victims or their representatives to communicate directly with the tribunal if they are dissatisfied with the school’s decision. Essentially, the tribunal serves to find resolutions.
“However, in the current context, for individuals aged 18 and above, the matter will be viewed differently, whether it still constitutes a criminal offence or otherwise. All these aspects will be deliberated by the Cabinet,” she said.
Azalina also said the proposed tribunal is meant to complement, not replace, existing systems under the education ministry and the higher education ministry, by filling the gaps and ensuring consistency in handling cases.
She said the bill would also cover minors outside formal education, ensuring all children under 18 have access to justice, regardless of their educational status.