Mara Also Focuses on Mental Bullying

PETALING JAYA – The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will collaborate with psychologists from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to develop a specific module to address the issue of mental bullying at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM).

Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat, Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the step was taken because the impact of mental bullying is found to be more severe than physical bullying, to the extent that it can leave deep emotional scars on victims.

According to him, although this type of bullying does not leave external marks, the wounds inflicted on a person’s emotions, dignity and self-confidence can be very severe.

“Mental bullying in schools, including MRSM, is not a trivial matter. It can occur in the form of ridicule, insults, humiliating nicknames, repeated sarcasm, ostracism, slander, emotional threats or acts of shaming someone in front of their peers.

“Insha-Allah, Mara will collaborate with psychologists from UPM to develop a module to address this issue in MRSM. We will also utilise former military wardens who will serve on a full-time basis,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Asyraf said since taking on the trust as Mara Chairman, his main focus has been to ensure that all colleges and Mara Educational Institutions (IPMA) become the safest places for children to study.

He stressed that a harmonious environment is important to help students develop their identity, intellect and build their future without being plagued by fear, pressure or feelings of isolation.

“Besides the ‘You Touch You Go’ approach, which is not just a tagline but is translated through firm action including expulsion from the institution, various preventive approaches are also being undertaken.

“To me, any form of bullying, whether physical or mental, must be firmly stopped. Every member of the community must play a role in building a culture of respect, compassion and empathy,” he said.

Kosmo Online