By Shantini Mogan
6 FEBRUARY: According to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, only headmasters or teachers in positions of authority are allowed to cane students, and the punishment cannot be enforced on female students. She emphasized that this penalty is subject to strict regulations outlined in the Education Regulations (School Discipline) 1959.
Fadhlina further stated that caning cannot be done in public or during school assemblies, as stipulated in Specialized Circular No. 7/2003 on Teachers’ Power to Cane Students, according to Sinar Harian.
“Education is the most crucial part of creating a harmonious and sustainable community. Caning is one form of punishment that can be imposed on students who commit serious offences, including bullying. However, this punishment is not intended to be abusive; rather, it serves as an educational method that guides and disciplines students, allowing them to understand the consequences of their actions,” she said in a written response to the Dewan Rakyat, published on the Parliament website on Wednesday (Feb 5).
She was responding to Dr. Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), who had asked whether the ministry was willing to allow the heirs of mistreated students to cane the bully during the morning assembly.
Fadhlina also stated that the Education Ministry takes a more comprehensive approach to handling school disciplinary issues by focusing on value-based education and character development. This includes early intervention programs, counseling services, and fostering a culture of love and respect among students.
“This strategy teaches kids to grasp the repercussions of their choices while also instilling good manners and morality. The existing legislative requirements do not provide parents or the public the ability to physically punish students who commit an offense,” she explained.
