Bullying Culture Risks Creating Generation Without Respect, Compassion - Melaka Governor

MELAKA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The culture of bullying poses the risk of producing a generation that lacks respect and compassion for others, said Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said bullying not only harms the mental and emotional well-being of victims but could also lead to tragic consequences.

“Can bullying and the act of oppressing others be left unchecked without firm action from all of us?” he said at the Melaka State Awards investiture ceremony at Seri Negeri here today.

In line with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s call for a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign, Mohd Ali proposed the introduction of an education and competition-based programme under the theme ‘Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan’ (Courtesy and Morality), the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara.

He said the programme should begin from primary school level up to universities and training centres, both public and private, to foster noble values among the younger generation.

“As Malaysians, the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara must truly be embraced and practised in daily life across all levels of society.

“Before doing something, we must ask ourselves whether it is courteous and moral. May Allah SWT bless our lives in this temporary world with good deeds and protect us from wrongdoings,” he said.

Mohd Ali said the family institution also plays a vital role in cultivating courtesy and morality from childhood, in line with Islamic teachings and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

He stressed that other religions also emphasise the same values of respect and compassion.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend condolences to the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, who died on July 17 in a suspected bullying incident at the hostel of Sekolah Menengah Agama Tun Datuk Mustafa Limauan, Sabah.

“I also uphold the decree of the King, who has called on the government to implement a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign starting from the primary school level,” he said.

-- BERNAMA