Robert Backs Proposal for ‘Zara Law’ in Sabah

4 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: There should be an Anti-Bullying Ordinance in Sabah, to be known as the “Zara Law”, aimed at addressing the growing concerns over bullying in the state.

Bingkor Assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik has expressed full support for the proposal, saying it was high time a specific law was established to curb bullying, not only in schools and educational institutions but also across government departments, kindergartens, preschools and the wider community.

“Bullying has become increasingly alarming in recent times, with the public even taking to the streets in peaceful gatherings. The case of the late Zara should serve as a wake-up call to all that bullying is a crime, and perpetrators must face appropriate punishment,” he said when commenting on the proposal by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Robert stressed that bullying can no longer be dismissed as trivial or isolated cases, as it has a serious impact on victims’ mental health, including fear of attending school, truancy and declining academic performance.

He added that stronger action was needed to put an end to the negative culture before it caused deeper harm to Sabah’s human capital development.

The Assistant Minister of State Works also welcomed Dr Jeffrey’s view that if the Federal Government was not ready to implement an anti-bullying law, Sabah could take the initiative by drafting a special ordinance through the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

“Sabah could table this ordinance in the DUN in the future, detailing all aspects of bullying before it is gazetted. This is vital to protect the younger generation and to ensure that tragedies like the one that befell the late Zara are never repeated,” he said.