Mara Chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has issued a strong warning that any of its educational institutions, including Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSMs), found concealing bullying cases will face severe repercussions.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Asyraf stated that hiding such incidents under the pretext of protecting an institution’s image or reputation is a criminal offense.
“If any management of a Mara educational institution does this, supposedly to protect their good name and reputation, strict and firm action will be taken,” he wrote.
He revealed that early in his tenure, he received numerous complaints about some Mara institutions being reluctant to report bullying to avoid jeopardizing their performance awards.
“I have given clear instructions that if I receive such information, I will take stern action against the management of the institution, including MRSM,” he said.
Asyraf also stressed that bullying is not limited to physical harm. “Bullying is not only in physical form but also mental. At one MRSM, a female student was expelled for being involved in mental bullying,” he noted.
He emphasized that while he is generally considerate toward the welfare of teachers, students, and staff, bullying remains a zero-tolerance issue.
“My principle is #YouTouchYouGo, regardless of who it is. If involved in bullying, do not appeal to me when action is taken. Even if they are the child of an influential or well-known person, they know my firm stance,” he said.
He added that breaking the cycle of bullying, which in some places has become a tradition, requires strict action and strong support from all parties.
On August 8, Asyraf stated he was prepared to face legal action from parents of students expelled from MRSMs for bullying. He stressed that his priority was the safety of the majority of students, not a “handful who act like gangsters.”
In June, six students were suspended and later expelled following an investigation into a bullying case at MRSM Besut, which left a Form Two student with injuries to his abdomen, ribs, and back. Police confirmed receiving a report on the incident.
