Lfl Pans Knee Jerk Responses To School Violence

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Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has criticised proposals to revive caning in schools, ban mobile phones for those under 16, and increase police surveillance - describing it as a “superficial and knee-jerk” response to recent violent crimes involving schoolgirls.
In a statement, LFL director Zaid Malek said the government’s measures, announced following the murder of a student and the gang rape of another on school grounds, would do little to address the underlying causes of such violence.
“These are ineffective, rushed, knee-jerk reactions aimed at giving the false illusion that the issue is being addressed.
“How would caning prevent rape or murder? Would banning phones tackle the sexism that drives such crimes?" said Zaid, who questioned claims that social media and online games were to blame for the incidents, noting there was no evidence to support such a link.
“Serious issues need serious consideration, not off-the-cuff responses made to avert political backlash. Policies cannot work when no effort is made to identify the root of the problem," he added.
On Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said teenagers below the age of 16 could soon be barred from using smartphones as the government moves to curb the rising tide of bullying and violence in schools.
Anwar said this was among three immediate measures proposed by the cabinet to address the problem.
Sexism, prejudice
Zaid further argued that the real issue lies in systemic sexism and prejudice against women, which fuels gender-based violence.
He pointed to recent remarks by Kelantan police suggesting that girls involved in statutory rape cases could be charged alongside adult male perpetrators, an idea later endorsed by the state's mufti.
“This shows a fundamental lack of awareness even among senior officials about child protection laws,” Zaid said.
He added that the government’s failure to take a strong stance against such comments perpetuates misogyny within institutions meant to protect victims.
Zaid also urged the government to abandon “half-baked” measures and confront the deeper problem of sexism in society and within its own ranks.
“If the government continues to blame social media and online games, the public will be right to worry for their children’s safety - especially girls - whether in or outside school,” he said. - Mkini

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