Teacher S Case Miasa Says Mental Illness Doesn T Define A Person

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A mental health diagnosis does not define a person, as each experience of a condition is unique, said experts advocating for greater awareness on the subject and support for affected individuals.
According to Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (Miasa) president Anita Abu Bakar, a key differentiating factor between individual diagnoses, including for the same disorder, is a person’s ability to function.
“Functionality refers to a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, maintain relationships, contribute to society, and pursue meaningful goals,” she told Malaysiakini.
“Functioning can fluctuate and is not always a direct indicator of illness severity.
“Stigma and discrimination often impair more than the condition itself,” said the founder of Miasa, which aims to address and clarify misconceptions on mental health issues and conditions.
Specifically, Anita (above) cited public reactions on a recent case involving a teacher accused of posting offensive remarks against 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students who died in a bus crash recently.
The teacher at a secondary school in Ipoh has since taken down his post, apologised, and claimed to have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, prompting concerns over his capability to work among students.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, one million or 4.6 percent of Malaysians aged above 15 have been diagnosed with depression, a figure which has doubled from 2019, with about half expressing suicidal inclinations.
Bus crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris studentsCompassionate mental health approach
Citing the teacher’s case, Anita said Miasa acknowledged the apology and revelation of a diagnosis, as well as the impact of the offensive remarks on family members of the deceased students.
“At Miasa, we continue to advocate for a compassionate and holistic approach to mental health - one that prioritises support and healing over judgment or stigma.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to seek help and manage their mental health in a safe and understanding environment,” she said.
“In moments of heightened stress, even individuals without any mental health condition may react impulsively and provide such judgments as we have seen often enough happen on social media.
“Yet, the public narrative often enough unfairly centres blame on mental health conditions, reinforcing stigma rather than fostering understanding,” she said.
Following the viral posting, Perak executive councillor for education, Khairudin Abu Hanipah, reportedly demanded a full explanation from the state education department, citing an Education Ministry guideline on “integrity and conduct” of educators.
Bernama reported that Perak police had recorded the teacher’s statement on June 16, for an investigation under Section 504 of the Penal Code - on intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace - and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
State police chief Noor Hisam Nordin on Thursday (June 19) said authorities are still awaiting the teacher’s full medical report from Seri Manjung Hospital to complete the investigation papers.
When responding to incidents involving individuals suspected of having a mental health condition, Anita stressed that the authorities’ approach must prioritise safety, dignity, and access to care.
“Crisis intervention teams should ideally include trained mental health professionals, volunteers, crisis team responders, and NGOs on the ground who can assess, de-escalate, and refer individuals to appropriate services.
“Criminalisation of mental health conditions is archaic, not helpful and extremely detrimental,” she cautioned.
Similarly, Anita urged the public to respond to such individuals, including on social media, with empathy and avoid generalisations based on isolated actions.
Beyond the affected individuals, she highlighted that Miasa’s support services also extend to caregivers and mental health advocates.
Affecting employment
As a caregiver dealing with her own personal mental health issues, housewife Nashita Md Noor said her daughter, 24-year-old Asiah Bad Latif, has received multiple diagnoses since 2021 - ADHD, major depressive disorder, bipolar type 2, schizoaffective disorder, and the latest, borderline personality disorder.
The reformasi-era activist noted how awareness and support remain lacking in areas of employment for not only Asiah, but others diagnosed with mental health issues.
“She (Asiah) usually worked part-time in stores at shopping complexes as a salesgirl.
“Jobs at cafes never lasted because whenever something wasn’t right or there was a relapse in her illness, she couldn’t work much and had to take a lot of medical leave,” said Nashita.
She said among the symptoms affecting her daughter’s functionality during a period of relapse include major depression and suicidal thoughts that led to self-harm, apart from hallucinations associated with schizophrenia.
“Most recently, she worked at a call centre. It was a good company - the company accepted Asiah even though she declared that she had a mental illness and held an OKU (Persons with Disabilities) card for mental health.
“She loved the job. She performed well, and the pay was good. Her supervisor was also happy with her work.
“Her problem is that when something triggers her, she relapses - her emotions get affected, and she needs to take leave or medical leave. Eventually, she was let go from her job,” Nashita told Malaysiakini.
Anita explained that while the Employment Act 1955 allows for termination based on an employee’s inability to perform their job, which could indirectly affect individuals with mental health conditions, there is no direct prohibition on hiring someone with such a diagnosis.
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 places a general duty on employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace, which has been increasingly interpreted to include mental well-being.
Medicine alone is not enough
Elaborating, Nashita admitted Asiah had on occasions neglected to take medications prescribed for her symptoms, some of which also introduced unwanted side effects that affected her ability to function.
According to Anita, physical side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, and desensitisation of emotions, apart from emotional challenges in dealing with society’s stigma towards individuals in treatment for mental health issues.
However, she reaffirmed that while evidence supports medication’s critical role in managing mental health conditions, it is not a standalone solution.
“Recovery outcomes are best when combined with psychosocial interventions, peer support, and community-based care.
“Miasa recognises the importance of medication, but always within a broader recovery framework that respects autonomy and dignity,” said Anita, who stressed the importance of consent and informed choices.
Overall, she said Miasa firmly advocates that recovery is possible, and that recovery does not mean the absence of symptoms but rather for a person to live a meaningful and fulfilling life despite challenges. - Mkini

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