Chen Xiangfa Calls for Safeguarding Students' Safety, Urges Promotion of Anti-Bullying Bill

(Miri, 5th) Tan Sri Chen Xiangfa, Ph.D., President of the Malaysian Chen Clan Association, stated that bullying in our country’s schools is becoming increasingly serious. The government is currently drafting the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, aiming to handle relevant complaints more swiftly, raise public awareness, and effectively prevent bullying incidents. He called on the Cabinet to approve the bill for submission at the parliamentary session this October, in order to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of schoolchildren.
He made these remarks in his speech last night at the “Retrospect & Continuation” 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner of the Miri Chen Clan Association, held at the Miri Imperial Palace Grand Hotel.
Chen Xiangfa stated that the establishment of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal is a proactive initiative by the government, aiming to shorten the timeframe for handling complaints, so that victims can obtain justice more quickly. It will also serve as a deterrent at the societal level, causing potential perpetrators to think twice, and help reduce bullying from its root cause.

He pointed out that in recent years, school bullying cases in our country have become commonplace, and there have even been tragedies where students lost their lives as a result of bullying. Among them, the case of 13-year-old student Zara in Sabah, who died allegedly due to bullying, has triggered nationwide concern over campus safety. In response, the Ministry of Education has ordered safety reviews at all schools nationwide and is comprehensively reviewing and reforming the existing handling mechanisms and reporting processes.
“The Ministry of Education has also set up a school bullying reporting website and added an option for anonymous reporting to safeguard the security of whistleblowers and witnesses.” He said schools and parents must work together to uphold students' dignity and take effective measures to protect children from all forms of physical and psychological violence.
He emphasized that when children speak of being bullied at school, parents and teachers should listen patiently, letting children know that it is not their fault; at the same time, they should provide psychological counseling for victims and help perpetrators develop empathy and respect, correct their wrongdoings, and promote healthy interpersonal relationships on campus.
Chen Xiangfa also especially acknowledged the unity and spirit of dedication demonstrated by the Miri Chen Clan Association over the past 30 years, praising it as one of the most active organizations among the sub-associations under the Malaysian Chen Clan Association.
He said that President Chen Shaohe is devoted to public welfare and has strong leadership qualities; he believes that under his and the council's leadership, the Miri Chen Clan Association will continue to grow, keep seeking welfare for clan members, promote ancestral virtue, and contribute to society.