Education Minister Orders Probe into Bullying of Cancer Patient

Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia’s Education Minister, has initiated an immediate investigation into allegations of bullying involving a 10-year-old cancer patient in Johor. The case centers around Izzul Islam Azuan, who has been undergoing treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma. The minister expressed her concern through a Facebook post, emphasizing the need for a prompt investigation to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

According to Izzul’s mother, Siti Suhana Misdi, the bullying incidents occurred on two separate occasions this year. The most recent incident allegedly took place on August 7, 2023, while the earlier incident reportedly happened in February at a religious school. Suhana voiced her hope that decisive measures would be enacted against those responsible to prevent further harm to her son.

In her detailed account, Suhana revealed that Izzul had faced severe bullying stemming from a personal conflict involving his elder sister. During the February incident, he was allegedly beaten and kicked, which resulted in a concussion and required hospitalization from March 12 to March 26, 2023. Suhana reported learning about the bullying only after her daughter expressed concern for Izzul’s deteriorating health.

Despite her efforts to report the February incident, Suhana claimed that the authorities deemed the case unsuitable for investigation, opting only for a meeting between the families involved. Due to his age, the alleged perpetrator, a 12-year-old boy, faced no legal repercussions.

“The impact on my son has been severe. He can no longer concentrate on his studies or participate in sports,” Suhana explained, emphasizing the long-term consequences of the bullying. As Izzul continues his recovery from cancer, he now faces the additional challenge of overcoming bullying at school.

In a separate incident this month, Izzul was reportedly bullied again by a classmate, resulting in hospitalization after being struck on the head. Suhana expressed her frustration, stating, “I don’t know why he is targeted. Perhaps it is because he looks weak from his illness.” She urged authorities to take action to prevent the cycle of abuse from continuing.

Government Response and Wider Implications

The situation has drawn broader attention to the issue of bullying in Malaysian schools, particularly following the tragic death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a 13-year-old who allegedly fell from her school dormitory after experiencing bullying. This incident has spurred public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation, highlighted by the hashtag #JusticeforZara.

Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has called for a comprehensive approach to tackle bullying, stressing that it is a form of both psychological and physical abuse that must be eradicated from all educational institutions. He cautioned against exploiting such tragedies for political gain, urging all parties to focus on genuine solutions.

Further action is anticipated from the federal government, as Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has mandated the implementation of a nationwide anti-bullying campaign aimed at primary schools. His decree highlights the necessity of early education on mutual respect and compassion to combat this growing societal issue.

As investigations into the bullying incidents continue, both the education ministry and state officials remain under scrutiny. Johor State Education and Information Committee Chairman Aznan Tamin confirmed that the matter is actively under review, reflecting the pressing need for effective policies to safeguard students against bullying in schools.

The implications of these incidents extend beyond individual cases, prompting discussions on the culture of bullying in Malaysia and the urgent requirement for systemic reforms to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.