Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim set for historic state visit to Russia, beginning on August 5 – a first for a Malaysian King since diplomatic ties were established in 1967.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail made his first visit to Sabah since being appointed to the position on June 23, with the aim of discussing security and stability issues in the state. During his visit to Istana Seri Kinabalu, he addressed the ongoing student bullying case that has captured national attention [1][4].
The investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir at a religious school in Papar, Sabah, is nearing completion. The Sabah Police have interviewed over 60 witnesses, including students, staff, and teachers, and have not ruled out bullying as a possible factor [1].
IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail emphasised the need for an immediate end to negative comments about the case that could cause anxiety and touch on sensitive 3R (Race, Religion, Royalty) issues. He stated that such comments could make it difficult for the police to resolve the investigation [3].
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is committed to ensuring the political stability and security of Sabah remain peaceful for all its people. The investigation papers have been completed and submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department at Bukit Aman, and will soon be brought to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for further action [1][4].
IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail urged all parties to refrain from making negative comments that could create a bad atmosphere or anxiety by linking certain parties, politics, and the palace to the student bullying case. He also asked for sufficient space to be given to the police to continue the investigation [3].
The visit was accompanied by Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun. The IGP's call for a halt in negative comments comes as other serious bullying incidents have been reported in Malaysian schools, highlighting a broader systemic crisis affecting student safety and welfare nationwide [2][3].
Advocacy groups stress the need for systemic reforms that ensure respect for children’s rights, foster responsible behaviour among peers and educators, and guarantee a safe, nurturing school climate as fundamental rights of every student [3]. The impact of this bullying crisis is profound on Malaysia’s approach to child protection and human rights within schools.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is working diligently to ensure Sabah's security, addressing both domestic and international issues, including shared waters with neighbouring states, the Philippines, and claims by China and other countries [5].
The Malaysia student bullying case is a reminder of the importance of upholding the rights and safety of every child, and the responsibility of all parties to promote a positive and respectful school environment.
References:
[1] The Star Online. (2022, August 21). Sabah student bullying case: Police close to concluding probe, say sources. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/21/sabah-student-bullying-case-police-close-to-concluding-probe-say-sources
[2] The Star Online. (2022, August 13). Sabah student bullying case: Police investigate multiple reports, say sources. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/13/sabah-student-bullying-case-police-investigate-multiple-reports-say-sources
[3] SUHAKAM (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia). (2022, August 12). SUHAKAM urges immediate action to address bullying in schools. Retrieved from https://suhakam.org.my/suhakam-urges-immediate-action-to-address-bullying-in-schools/
[4] The Star Online. (2022, August 10). Sabah student bullying case: Police seek post-mortem, say sources. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/10/sabah-student-bullying-case-police-seek-post-mortem-say-sources
[5] Bernama. (2022, August 21). Sabah Police Commissioner: We are committed to ensuring Sabah's security. Retrieved from https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=1996614
- The investigation into the tragic incident of a 13-year-old student's death at a religious school in Sabah, Malaysia, is nearing completion, with over 60 witnesses, including students, staff, and teachers, having been interviewed.
- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is not only focusing on addressing security and stability issues in Sabah but also on international matters such as shared waters with neighboring states, the Philippines, and claims by China and other countries.
- IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail has urged all parties to refrain from making negative comments that could create a negative atmosphere or anxiety, emphasizing the need to respect the ongoing international investigation and the associated sensitive 3R (Race, Religion, Royalty) issues.
- Advocacy groups and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) have stressed the importance of systemic reforms in Malaysia's schools, ensuring respect for children’s rights, responsible behavior among peers and educators, and a safe, nurturing school climate as fundamental rights of every student.
