By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 23: Tamin assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira Sambang has voiced support for stern action if bullying was involved in the recent viral video of a student allegedly being physically assaulted by peers at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Miri, stressing that any act of violence must never be normalised in schools or training institutions.
Gira, who is also deputy president of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), expressed deep concern over the incident, which initially sparked public outrage after it appeared to show a student being lifted and slammed against a pole by a group of youths.
“As a father, a civil engineer, and a public servant entrusted with the wellbeing of our youth, I strongly condemn such violence in any form. Bullying, if involved, is not a prank. It is a violation of dignity, safety, and the values we strive to instil in our future leaders,” he said in a statement today.
He welcomed the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia’s commitment to take stern disciplinary action against those responsible, including suspension or expulsion, while urging that the process be carried out swiftly, transparently and fairly.
However, Gira acknowledged police confirmation that the Sept 19 incident was not bullying but a birthday prank that went too far.
In a statement today, Miri District Police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the student, accompanied by his parents, had lodged a report denying he was bullied, while investigations by the institution also categorised the act as an “excessive prank”. Police have since classified the case as No Further Action (NFA).
Still, Gira insisted the incident should be treated as a wake-up call to prevent the culture of silence or tolerance of harmful behaviour in youth institutions.
“This must be a turning point. Skills training institutions like IKBN are meant to empower—not traumatise—young Malaysians,” he stressed.
He urged all Institutes of Youth Skills Training (ILKBS) to implement proactive anti-bullying frameworks, including peer mentorship, moral education, and restorative justice practices.
He also called on community leaders, educators, and youth organisations, including Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Wing, to spearhead awareness campaigns, digital literacy workshops, and culturally rooted values-based programmes to reinforce empathy and respect.
Gira further cited global best practices, from Japan’s Kokoro no kyoiku (education of the heart), to Finland’s restorative circles, and Singapore’s integration of Character and Citizenship Education across curricula, as models Malaysia could adapt.
“As SDNU deputy president, I will work with stakeholders to ensure our youth—especially in rural and semi-urban Sarawak—are protected, empowered, and nurtured with integrity,” he added.
The incident involved students aged 18 and 24, whose statements, along with those of the institution’s representatives and the alleged victim’s parents, have been recorded by police. The ministry has pledged continued monitoring of the matter.
“Let us build institutions where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow,” Gira said. — DayakDaily
