SETIAWANGSA Member of Parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has called for greater accountability and honesty from the Education Ministry over what he described as a deepening crisis in student safety and school discipline, saying it is time to stop relying on superficial slogans and begin tackling systemic failures.
In a strongly worded statement, Nik Nazmi criticised the government’s response to recent bullying and criminal incidents in schools, urging the ministry to abandon what he called “reactionary gimmicks” and instead acknowledge the structural and cultural flaws in the education system.
“Announcing a new plan or slogan in haste only reveals how little we understand the root of this crisis,” he said. “The real issue is not merely a lack of policies or circulars, but a system that fails to support both teachers and students.”
Nik Nazmi’s comments follow revelations by the Director-General of Education that some cases of bullying had been “swept under the carpet” — a remark the MP said should be seen not as a communication issue, but as a sign that school communities do not feel safe speaking up.
“A minister must listen directly to people on the ground, examine reports with honesty, and understand the daily pressures faced by teachers,” he said. “They should defend those trying to improve the situation — not undermine them for political survival.”
He warned against stigmatising schools with high discipline cases, saying such institutions require additional support and resources rather than negative labelling.
“Warning signs like rising dropout rates or exam absenteeism are often ignored until a tragedy happens. The ministry’s recently announced five-point plan only addresses the symptoms, not the root causes.”
Teachers, he added, are not overburdened due to a lack of dedication, but because the system places excessive demands on paperwork and offers too little trust. When discipline, mental health, or safety issues arise, teachers are often caught between their duty to report and their instinct to protect.
“Schools are a mirror of society,” Nik Nazmi said, adding that moral, religious and civic education alone are insufficient if they fail to cultivate mutual respect and empathy.
“It is time to rebuild an education ecosystem based on trust in teachers, the safety of students, and human values,” he said.
Nik Nazmi concluded by reminding the public that ultimate accountability rests with the minister.
“It is not the officials, nor the teachers, but the minister who must take responsibility. Accountability cannot be delegated.” - October 17, 2025
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