Kuala lumpur: The Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill is anticipated to be tabled in Parliament this October, ahead of the six-month timeline initially provided by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This update was shared by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted that her ministry is actively conducting nationwide roadshows and engagement sessions with various stakeholders as a precursor to presenting the matter to the Cabinet. Several ministers, including those responsible for education, higher education, defense, and communications, have shown agreement with the initiative. The aim is to conclude these roadshows by September, leading to a Cabinet decision by the end of September or early October, thus enabling the bill’s presentation to Parliament in October.
Azalina emphasized the government’s intent to gather public opinions on the proposed tribunal through these roadshows. The tribunal is designed to expedite case hearings compared to conventional court processes. It possesses broader powers, enabling it to assess all aspects of cases and potentially include compensation elements like fines. The tribunal’s scope might extend beyond imprisonment to incorporate fines or mandatory courses, focusing on swift resolution.
A dedicated portal will be launched to collect public feedback, complementing engagement sessions with professional bodies, including the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the Malaysian Bar, state bars, international organizations, and relevant experts. Azalina clarified that the tribunal’s purpose extends beyond punishment, aiming to offer rehabilitation space for both victims and perpetrators through a restorative justice approach.
Reflecting on the tribunal system under the Sexual Harassment Act, Azalina noted its positive reception due to the swift process, suggesting that a similar mechanism for anti-bullying could deter potential offenders. She was tasked by Ahmad Zahid with presenting a Cabinet paper on the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill after comprehensive stakeholder engagements across the nation.