No Term of Protecting MRSM, IPMA Names
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysia's Mara Council Chairman Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that the names or images of Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) and Mara Education Institutions (IPMA) will not be protected if student safety and welfare are compromised.
- Students and parents are encouraged to report any misconduct, bullying, or sexual offenses without fear, as all reports will be investigated and acted upon swiftly.
- Mara is implementing stricter measures, including a "#YouTouchYouGo" slogan and full-time wardens from former military personnel, to combat bullying and improve safety in its institutions.
Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Chairman of the Mara Council (Majlis Amanah Rakyat), has declared a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct within Mara's educational institutions. He emphasized that protecting the reputation of institutions like Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) and Institusi Pendidikan Mara (IPMA) is secondary to ensuring student safety and welfare.
Dusuki urged students and parents not to hesitate in reporting any instances of misconduct, bullying, or sexual offenses. He assured that every report would be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and prompt action would be taken against those involved. "There is no such thing as wanting to protect the name or image. I consider every report serious and it must be investigated and acted upon immediately," he stated.
He revealed that upon his appointment in 2023, he received numerous complaints about bullying in MRSM and IPMA institutions via social media platforms. These complaints prompted surprise visits and a more assertive approach to management oversight. Dusuki noted a tendency among some institutional managements to conceal or downplay bullying incidents, treating them as normal occurrences in dormitory life.
To combat this issue, Mara is introducing stringent measures. A new slogan, "#YouTouchYouGo," has been adopted, signaling severe consequences for perpetrators. Furthermore, Mara is piloting a program to employ full-time wardens, recruiting former military personnel to enhance monitoring, discipline, and student safety within the hostels. Action will also be taken against administrators who are found to be hiding misconduct.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.