Caning In Schools Should Be Reconsidered With Strict Guidelines, Says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is of the view that caning in schools should be reconsidered, but with strict guidelines and controls in place to prevent any form of abuse.

Stressing that this was his personal opinion and not yet a government policy, Anwar said the matter should be further studied through comprehensive engagement by the Education Ministry (MoE) with stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

“As for caning... my personal view, which I have voiced, is that it should be reinstated but with strict conditions, not public caning.

“The caning could be on the hand, but not with full discretion given. I was once a teacher; I did cane, but on the hand, and certainly not in an abusive manner,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from R. Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer (PH-Jelutong) regarding a proposal to allow teachers the discretion to cane students as a disciplinary measure, similar to past practices.

The prime minister said that while some human rights groups view caning as a form of child abuse, many educators and parents still believe it remains relevant if carried out responsibly.

“Many educators and parents believe there is a need to (reinstate caning in schools), but only under strict conditions and by designated teachers in a controlled environment, such as a discipline room,” Anwar said.

Anwar, who was Education Minister from 1986 to 1991, said disciplinary punishment should not be seen as abuse but as an educational measure when a student seriously violates school rules, adding that it must be implemented in line with school regulations.

“I don’t think parents should be overly worried because children’s mischief is normal... but when it crosses the line, there must be consequences.

“This is merely my personal view, not a government policy. I believe it should be carefully studied and discussed with all stakeholders,” he said.

Responding to Rayer regarding the case of two teachers from SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian in Penang who were charged in court for caning a student, Anwar said police reports revealed the student was autistic and that the case should be assessed based on the facts.

Anwar said prosecutors could review charges if the offence was minor and did not involve serious abuse.

Meanwhile, replying to the original question from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) about efforts to strengthen cooperation among schools, parents, the community and security agencies, Anwar said police officers would continue to be stationed at schools to monitor safety without causing anxiety among students.

He said the decision was made after considering the rise in bullying, abuse, and crime among students, as well as the need to strengthen their well-being at the grassroots level.

Anwar added that anti-bullying campaigns would be intensified, while the role of certified counsellors, hostel wardens, including retired army veterans, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) would be enhanced to strengthen the social safety network in schools.

“Bullying is no small matter as it involves parents, teachers and the ministry. Principals and teachers must not shirk their responsibilities. Every year we hear about bullying, but now with social media, it becomes even more visible,” he said.

The prime minister also stressed that moral and value-based education should be emphasised so that students not only memorise lessons but also apply the values in their daily lives.

Anwar said the government would also review the effectiveness of existing smart support systems and mentoring programmes to ensure more comprehensive and impactful implementation.

He also urged all parties, including members of parliament, educators and parents to work together to find the best approaches to improve the nation’s education environment.

-- BERNAMA