Melaka: The Melaka government has proposed 10 key resolutions to improve student discipline, character, and well-being, including the measured use of caning as a disciplinary and educational tool, with prior parental or guardian consent. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh stated that these resolutions emerged from the two-day Special State Government Convention, which was held in collaboration with Parent-Teacher Associations, the community, and strategic education partners, and concluded today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the convention gathered the views of various stakeholders and formulated 10 main resolutions that will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education for consideration in the ongoing development of national education policy and practice. One key resolution is sanctioning parents for their children's truancy, addressing parental involvement in building student character.
Ab Rauf highlighted additional resolutions, such as mandating Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes for all Muslim primary school pupils, and implementing a scheme that designates department heads, elected representatives, and community leaders as school 'guardians' responsible for overseeing student discipline.
The convention also recommended restricting digital applications that negatively influence students to prevent harmful content from acting as a 'second teacher'. The state government advocates for a ban on the sale of vape and tobacco products within a one-kilometre radius of all schools.
Other resolutions involve withdrawing educational aid entitlements for students who are chronically truant or have severe disciplinary issues, and developing an integrated digital system for psychosocial and mental health support. Additionally, the state government proposes making the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) at the school level mandatory to instil discipline, self-identity, and national spirit among students.
Ab Rauf mentioned that the state government aims to develop new, more comprehensive policies and circulars under the Melaka Student Discipline Plan (PDAM) to align with current needs. The PDAM will serve as the state's strategic document and Standard Operating Procedure, consolidating all student character and discipline initiatives into a single framework.
He concluded by emphasizing that the ultimate goal of this initiative is to position Melaka as a pioneer state and national model, where the development of student character, ethics, and discipline is pursued alongside academic excellence.