Yeo Bee Yin
KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliament Select Committee (PSC) for Women, Children and Community Development is set to present policy recommendations to combat school bullying following the tragic death of Zara Qairina, which has shocked the nation.
Committee Chairperson and Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin said Zara’s death served as a crucial wake-up call for Malaysia to address the urgent issue of school bullying and to implement stronger preventive measures.
“This heartbreaking tragedy has reverberated not only in Sabah but across the entire country. It compels us to reflect deeply and act decisively to protect our children,” she said in a statement today.
Yeo revealed that the PSC had already begun holding hearings on school bullying last week. The sessions involve consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, educators, professionals, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The objective is to gather insights and testimonies that will help us identify the root causes of bullying and formulate effective prevention strategies,” she said.
According to Yeo, the PSC is committed to tabling a comprehensive report in Parliament next Thursday. The report will feature specific policy recommendations for the government to strengthen measures against bullying in schools.
“We owe it to Zara and to all children in Malaysia to ensure that such a tragedy will never be repeated. Justice for Zara must mean change in our system,” she stressed.
The PSC comprises representatives from both government and opposition parties, reflecting bipartisan commitment to the issue. Members include Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Haji Kepli, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, Rantau Panjang MP Dato’ Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, Tumpat MP Dato’ Hajah Mumtaz Md Nawi and Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali.
Yeo said the committee would ensure its recommendations are practical, actionable, and designed to foster safer school environments nationwide.
“We must do our very best to uphold justice for Zara Qairina and safeguard every child’s right to learn without fear,” she added.
The tragedy of Zara’s death has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for systemic reforms to address school violence, with the rallying cry #JusticeForZara gaining momentum across the nation.
