Corpun file 18090

New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur, 4 August 2006

After 50 years, a new way to tighten school discipline

By Koh Lay Chin

(extract)

PUTRAJAYA: For the first time in nearly half a century, the way five million schoolchildren are to be disciplined is going to change. And in keeping with the times, caning and suspension will be decided by a disciplinary committee, instead of just the headmaster.

The Education Ministry feels that this move will satisfy parents who are protective over their children and who want more transparency in the disciplinary process in schools.

Under changes to the Education Rules (School Discipline), disciplinary committees have to be set up in all 10,000 schools in the country. Headmasters and teachers will sit on the committee.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim said: "They will be given licence to tighten discipline based on the regulations we have set.

"We have issued guidelines in the past but this is a step to consolidate all our efforts when it comes to discipline."

The amendments are now being studied by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Other proposed changes include putting down in writing the appeal process for students who are suspended or expelled. Currently, everything is on an ad hoc basis, with some schools having a detailed appeal process and others having none. Again, this move is aimed at making the disciplinary process more transparent.

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