KUALA LUMPUR, October 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament he supports the reinstatement of caning as a regulated disciplinary measure to address rising school violence and bullying, while acknowledging public unease over the practice.
Anwar, who once served as a teacher, said caning could be effective if done under strict guidelines — such as limiting it to the palm and prohibiting public punishment — to prevent abuse. He also urged further dialogue with experts and rights bodies before adopting it as policy.
The debate comes amid growing concern about student safety, with the Education Ministry introducing tighter school security measures and oversight following recent assault cases.
