In a notice to the Kampar MP, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said he rejected the motion as the education minister had explained the matter on Oct 16.

“In line with the standing orders, I reject the motion,” Johari said.

Chong had filed the motion on Oct 15 in view of the growing concern over the safety of students in schools.

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

He 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 had suppressed reporting, discouraged victims from seeking help, and allowed repeat offenders to go unchecked.

Last Thursday, education minister Fadhlina Sidek clarified in the lower house that Azam’s comment about problems in schools being “swept under the carpet” had been misunderstood.

She said Azam did not mean to suggest the ministry or schools had tried to hide wrongdoing, but rather that some issues were already known to teachers, school administrators, counsellors, or education offices.

However, she said, many of these cases were not viewed as serious, leading to no immediate action being taken.

Azam had the day earlier warned schools against covering up bullying and sexual misconduct, which he said should be immediately addressed as they were criminal offences.