DAP man files emergency motion to debate stabbing, sexual harassment at schools

DAP man files emergency motion to debate stabbing, sexual harassment at schools

Chong Zhemin wants the lower house to discuss better protection policies for students, including secure complaint channels.

3 kes tikam SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4)
SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) in Petaling Jaya, where a Form 3 girl was stabbed to death yesterday.
PETALING JAYA:
Kampar MP Chong Zhemin has filed an emergency motion to debate the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl as well as the admission that many bullying and sexual harassment cases at schools have been swept under the carpet.

Chong, of DAP, said he submitted the notice this morning in view of the growing concern over the safety of students in school.

He cited the public admission of education director-general Azam Ahmad as evidence of a systemic failure in managing student discipline and safety.

Chong said the statement pointed to weak complaint mechanisms, poor monitoring and follow-up, and inconsistent responses on the part of schools and the ministry which he said had suppressed reporting, discouraged victims from seeking help, and allowed repeat offenders to go unchecked.

The teenage girl, a student at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4), was stabbed to death yesterday, allegedly by a 14-year-old schoolmate.

In his notice filed today, Chong asked the Dewan Rakyat to debate the re-examination of school safety guidelines and student supervision procedures, as well as the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into school safety and bullying.

He also asked the lower house to discuss better protection policies for students, including secure complaint channels.

“This issue is clearly an urgent matter of public interest as it involves the life, security and future of the younger generation,” he said.

Chong told FMT later the speaker would make a decision on Wednesday.

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