GEORGE TOWN, September 27 — The government will hold nationwide town hall sessions with students from primary schools to universities starting October to gather feedback on the proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced yesterday.
Speaking after a session for Penang and Perak at SJKC Aik Hua, she said it was crucial to hear directly from students, alongside parents and teachers, before finalising the draft. The bill seeks to create a tribunal as a faster, non-court mechanism to resolve bullying cases not covered under the Penal Code.
Azalina said public input so far emphasised that the tribunal must be authoritative, efficient, and accessible, with many urging that it be made child-friendly so victims are not overwhelmed by lengthy questioning.
Suggestions included setting up a hotline and adopting restorative measures such as counselling and community service rather than punitive penalties. She added that stakeholder engagements are expected to conclude by October, paving the way for the Cabinet to review the final proposal before the bill is tabled in Parliament this December.
