Bullying in Malaysia: A Deviant Behaviour in Need of Clear Definition and Action

Bullying, often perceived as a harmless part of growing up, is a more insidious form of deviant behaviour that requires serious attention. In Malaysia, the line that defines bullying remains vague, blurring the lines between what constitutes camaraderie, induction, discipline, and orientation. Criminologists warn that this ambiguity can lead to the normalisation of bullying, with victims being ostracised and perpetrators hiding behind traditions or unspoken rules. With the recent high-profile cases of bullying, it is crucial to address the issue by defining bullying, providing counselling for both victims and perpetrators, and implementing alternative sentencing such as professional shaming.

Key Takeaways:

• Bullying carries three defining elements: a power imbalance, the intentional infliction of harm, and repetition over time, as identified by Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy.
• The harm caused by bullying can take many forms, including physical aggression, verbal insults, social exclusion, and online harassment, with victims often suffering trauma, withdrawing socially, and seeing their educational performance decline.
• The Penal Code has been amended to cover harmful acts resulting from bullying, but it still lacks a clear definition of bullying, leaving the courts and investigators to interpret.
• Universiti Malaya criminologist and law lecturer Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid's research shows that bullying has been normalised in Malaysia, with speaking up often being branded as "unsporting" or "anti-social."
• Haezreena stresses that solutions must address bullies themselves, with professional shaming being a more effective remedy than punishment alone, as criminal charges under the Penal Code do not necessarily lead to remorse.
• The government is drafting its own response, including the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill, with engagement sessions with stakeholders nationwide and involvement of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).
• Both experts agree that laws alone are not enough - society itself must change to address the institutionalised nature of bullying.

Statistics:

• According to Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy, bullying has three defining elements: a power imbalance, the intentional infliction of harm, and repetition over time.
• The harm caused by bullying can take many forms, including physical aggression, verbal insults, social exclusion, and online harassment.
• Universiti Malaya criminologist and law lecturer Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid's research shows that bullying in Malaysia has been normalised, with victims often suffering trauma, withdrawing socially, and seeing their educational performance decline.

Sources:

• Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy
• Universiti Malaya criminologist and law lecturer Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid
• Malay Mail
• Bernama