Bullying must stop: CM

26 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The culture of bullying that has increasingly taken root in learning centres and schools in Sabah, as well as across the country, must be taken seriously and addressed decisively.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said, *“I am personally very disappointed and deeply saddened by what has happened. This is a situation that should never have occurred.

“What is even more distressing is that bullying among students has also taken place in religious schools. Society has begun to question this, and I, too, want to know what exactly has gone wrong.

“How could such a culture of bullying exist within an institution that bears the symbol of the sanctity of Islam? Where did it go astray?”he said when officiating the Du’at Convention at the Sabah International Convention Centre today.

The Chief Minister said he believed that the Islamic religious affairs convention was the right platform to reflect upon and evaluate shortcomings, and to correct weaknesses not only within schools but also in all organisations, whether government or private.

Hajiji emphasised that as citizens of a multi-racial country, Muslims cannot avoid issues relating to religion, especially in the age of social media. He expressed concern over the spread of false propaganda, including fake news and slander malicious tactics employed by anti-government groups to demean or destroy the reputation of certain leaders as the state election draws near.

“Apart from political issues, other matters have also been sensationalised, such as those concerning the economy, security, health, the environment, and the 3R (Race, Religion and Royalty). Even the institution of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri has been attacked and belittled,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the tragic cases of bullying among schoolchildren, including those resulting in loss of life, have likewise been exploited by irresponsible netizens, some of whom resorted to lies, fake news, and slander against targeted individuals.

He said the rapid explosion of information technology in this century has created a borderless world, a “Global Village” where everything is literally at one’s fingertips. The challenge, he warned, has grown even more complex with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), applications designed to ease modern tasks and work.

“Yet, behind the benefits and conveniences of these advanced technologies lie serious risks. If misused or weaponised, they can generate false infographics, audio or videos intended to destabilise the Muslim community worldwide,” he cautioned.

“The abuse of such applications is one of the greatest challenges we face today. It must be remembered that the digital world, including internet technology, is evolving rapidly and constantly. Each day new inventions are created by scientists and programmers, often leaving ordinary users struggling to keep pace. The real concern is for our young people and future generations,” he said.

Hajiji stressed that advanced technologies will inevitably dominate human life as developed nations compete to create new devices, not only to control global markets but also to influence and shape human thinking.

“In this regard, parents, educators, preachers, organisational leaders and community figures all have a role to play in guiding and protecting our young.

“The task of educating the younger generation and shaping society is a fardhu kifayah (a collective religious duty) that carries immense reward. It must, therefore, be carried out with profound responsibility and deep love for our nation and our country,” he said.