Subramaniam calls for tougher action against school bullying

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam today called for more serious and drastic action by the authorities to curb what he described as the poisonous culture of bullying in schools and gangsterism among youths.
Subramaniam, who is also MIC president, said this was to ensure that the case of the assault and abuse of T. Nhaveen, 18, at Jalan Kaki Bukit, George Town, Penang, last Saturday did not recur.
"I urge stern action to be taken against perpetrators of this heinous crime," he said in a statement.
Nhaveen died at the Penang Hospital yesterday, five days after he was allegedly beaten with crash helmets and punched and kicked by several youths believed to be ex-schoolmates while buying burgers.
He was found unconscious with serious injuries and burns on his back and having a blunt object shoved into his anus.
A friend, T. Previin, 19, who was also assaulted, suffered a fractured bone beneath his right eye.
Subramaniam expressed his deepest condolences to Nhaveen’s family.
He said it was heart-wrenching to note how violent behaviour among students could result in such a great loss to a family which had placed their hopes and aspirations on the future of their child.
"Our hearts go out to the parents of Nhaveen and their immediate family members. No words can aptly describe their grief and pain," he said. — Bernama