Kuala lumpur: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed with the Education Ministry (MoE) to introduce a legal literacy training programme for the school community. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced that the ministry, in collaboration with state education departments, will facilitate weekly programs focusing on current laws, including those addressing bullying and sexual crimes, for principals and counselling teachers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Seri Azalina emphasized the importance of schools understanding these laws, given that children spend a significant portion of their day in educational institutions. The objective, she noted, is to ensure that individuals are aware of laws designed to protect them. Azalina instructed the Legal Academy to develop tailored legal literacy training for educators. This includes understanding specific legal requirements, such as Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which holds schools and principals accountable for under-reporting incidents.

Azalina also highlighted the societal impact of the Sexual Harassment Act, noting a decline in harassment cases as awareness grows. She suggested a similar outcome could be achieved for bullying if the tribunal system is well understood. The fast tribunal process might deter bullying by providing quicker resolutions than conventional court processes.

Regarding corporal punishment, Azalina mentioned that the government is reassessing its application through the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC). She pointed out the need to carefully evaluate its effectiveness and appropriateness, particularly in school settings. The committee is currently exploring whipping as a potential punishment, among other options.

Azalina stressed the importance of revisiting colonial-era laws to ensure they are relevant and appropriate in the modern context. She acknowledged the complexity of applying corporal punishment to minors, emphasizing the need for clear processes and procedures. The review aims to address overlapping laws and update them to better serve and protect children under 18.