Kuala lumpur: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been given six months to prepare and present the draft proposal on the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill to the Cabinet. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the draft would only be presented after Azalina holds engagement sessions with stakeholders nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized the importance of involving Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) across the country. This includes institutions such as fully residential schools, MARA Junior Science Colleges, elite institutions like the Royal Military College, and public and private universities.
"The drafting of this bill is important to prevent bullying from continuing and affecting the minds of parents and students who are victims," Ahmad Zahid stated at a press conference following the inauguration of the Motivasi Desa (MODE)@KEMAS KKDW and Bakti MADANI@KPT programs. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki were also present at the event.
Ahmad Zahid further mentioned the potential inclusion of a uniformed body in the bill's drafting process to prevent any issues. "In my opinion, the establishment of this tribunal should include all parties. We do not want any accusations that could tarnish the reputation of any institution in the country," he remarked.
Regarding other initiatives, Ahmad Zahid announced the expansion of the Quran Minute@Tabika/Taska KEMAS programme, initially a pilot project, to be held daily for five minutes at all Community Development Department (KEMAS) kindergartens nationwide. "There are 10,883 of these kindergartens, and this initiative can help familiarise children educated under KEMAS with various prayers and new routines that will contribute to shaping their personalities," he explained.
On the Prosperous People's Housing Programme (PPRS), Ahmad Zahid highlighted it as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). He noted that the PPRS would be expanded, including upgrades to houses previously under the Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT). "We have tasked GiatMARA, Felcra Bina (Felcra Bina Sdn Bhd), and Risda Bina (Risda Bina Sdn Bhd) to implement the PPRS nationwide," he concluded.