Latest news with #Fadhlina

The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Govt vows transparent probe into teen's death at hostel
PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has given its assurance that the investigation into the death of a Form One student in Sabah is being conducted impartially and transparently. 'We will give our full commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted fairly,' said minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said all parties must allow the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the case. Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, was reported to have died after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, in the early hours of July 17. Fadhlina said that upon completion of the investigation, the ministry will take follow-up action in accordance with the laws. 'We never take any case lightly, especially cases involving the welfare and well-being of our students and staff. 'I urge everyone to allow space for a transparent and open investigation,' she told reporters after attending the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals here yesterday, as reported by Bernama. Fadhlina said several crisis intervention measures are being implemented, including psychological and emotional support, for the victim's family and the school's staff, as the case has also affected the school community by extension. 'We are receiving full assistance from our counterparts at the Health Ministry who are focusing on the psycho-emotional support for both the family and the school staff,' she said.


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
MOE assures transparent, impartial probe into Sabah student's death
Fadhlina PUTRAJAYA (July 26): The Ministry of Education (MOE) has assured that the investigation into the death of Form One student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, is being conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said all parties must allow the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to carry out a thorough and detailed investigation into the case. 'We now fully hand over the matter to PDRM and give our full commitment to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly,' she told reporters after attending the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals here on Saturday. She added that upon completion of the investigation, the MOE would take follow-up action in accordance with existing laws. 'We never take any case lightly, especially those involving the welfare and well-being of our students and staff. In this case, I urge everyone to allow space for a transparent and open investigation,' she said. Fadhlina added that several crisis intervention measures are currently being implemented, including psychological and emotional support for school staff and the victim's family. 'This situation also affects the overall well-being of the school community. We are receiving full assistance from our counterparts at the Ministry of Health, who are focusing on the psycho-emotional support for both the family and the school staff,' she said. Zara Qairina, 13, was reported to have died after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, in the early hours of July 17. Meanwhile, the Sabah Education Department has set up a special task force to provide assistance to staff and students at the school where Zara Qairina died last week. In a statement, the department said the task force was formed to implement crisis and trauma intervention measures, including support for pupils, teachers, and school staff affected by the incident. The department also stressed that its immediate priority is to safeguard the well-being of Zara Qairina's family. 'The department has provided immediate assistance. We have also organised several outreach visits to engage with the family and share updates on the case. 'Psychosocial support services have also been made available. The department added that it is extending full cooperation to the police in their investigation into the case. 'This is crucial to ensure a smooth investigation process and that justice is served,' it said.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
MADANI debate academy to enhance student skills at SBPs nationwide
PUTRAJAYA: The Madani Debate Academy will be introduced progressively in all fully residential schools (SBP) across the country to strengthen students' language mastery and public speaking abilities. This initiative aims to prepare participants for future editions of the Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised that the academy is not just a training facility but also a platform to nurture students in presenting their ideas with confidence, maturity, and respect. 'This academy will focus on training, intellectual empowerment, and refining critical argumentation skills. Continuous practice will ensure students from all 72 SBPs gain equal access and opportunities,' she said. Fadhlina shared these details after attending the 50th Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals. The event saw Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang retaining their title in the Malay-language category, while Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya, triumphed over Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar in the English-language category. Winners from both categories received RM5,000 in cash, trophies, certificates, and iPads. - Bernama


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt to set up Madani Debate Academy in residential schools
PUTRAJAYA: The government is set to establish the Madani Debate Academy in stages at all fully residential schools nationwide aimed at strengthening the language proficiency and public speaking skills among students, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Fadhlina said the academy would not merely serve as a training space for students participating in the upcoming Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition, but also as a platform to equip them with the ability to articulate and express their views confidently. "This academy will focus on training, intellectual empowerment, critical argumentation, and continuous practice to ensure our students have equal access and opportunities to be trained under this envisioned academy. "This will be our key agenda as we head towards the next debate competition," she said when met by reporters after the final round of the 50th edition of the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition today. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Commenting further, Fadhlina said the academy would enable students to be trained as debaters, while also emphasising the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of discipline. "This means teaching them how to utilise their intellectual abilities to argue effectively, while most importantly, upholding values of morality and respect, especially when dealing with differing opinions," she said. The 50th edition of the Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition 2025 saw SMA Persekutuan Kajang defend its title in the Bahasa Melayu category, while Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya defeated Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar in the English category. Winners in both categories took home a cash prize of RM5,000, a trophy, certificates, and an iPad.


Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
MOE pledges appropriate action on death of Sabah student
Fadhlina KOTA KINABALU (July 25): The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the results of the police investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a form one student in Papar, Sabah. At the same time, its Minister Fadhlina Sidek advised all parties not to make any speculations regarding the case which is still under police investigation. 'Give space to the police to carry out their duties professionally, transparently, comprehensively and with integrity. No one will be protected and will not escape legal action,' she said in a Facebook post. She said MOE through the Sabah State Education Department (JPN) has always given full cooperation to the investigation process, besides being committed to ensure the well-being of families, students, teachers and school staff involved. 'This is done through the provision of immediate assistance including psychosocial support in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). My condolences to all family members. May you be given patience and fortitude to face this difficult test,' she said. Zara Qairina, 13, reportedly died after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of a dormitory building in the early morning of July 17. Noraidah Lamat, a teacher and mother of Zara, has called for a 'transparent, fair and just investigation' into her daughter's death, suspected to be linked to bullying at the school. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of bullying cases reported in schools across the country, calling it a ''systemic crisis of child safety' that requires immediate intervention nationwide. Its Children's Commissioner, Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, emphasises that school must be the safest place for every child. But recent cases paint a worrying picture of fear, isolation, and violence. These disturbing incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to ensure that schools remain safe and nurturing environments for all children. Umno Sabah Wanita chief Datuk Noraini Idris is urging for the immediate enactment of the Anti-Bullying Act. 'Do not wait for another student's life to be lost. The Anti-Bullying Act must be enacted without delay,' she said on Friday. Police have not updated on the progress of the investigation into the case.