It is timely that this opinion follows the bold and succinct statement made by the College of Physicians, Malaysia in The Star on September 9, 2025, with regard to the bullying of doctors.
Bullying is no longer just a social issue; it has become a moral crisis. Although much has been reported about its existence within the medical profession, anecdotes of its occurrence in other scenarios are just as rife.
Over the past month, there have been events occurring that have caused netizens to take to social media to voice their opinions. The unfortunate incident on our 68th Merdeka Day at the Perak National Day celebrations was marred by a potentially dangerous and now-viral public disturbance that reflects a possible breach of security.
However, it is the incident’s aftermath that is perhaps just as noteworthy involving serious concerns about privacy and confidentiality in the context of due diligent process to ensure equality of treatment under the law for all persons, including those with mental illness.
Despite the distressing nature of the incident, it was equally disturbing that the alleged perpetrator was subject to her close personal details being circulated via social media in what appeared to be a leaked police incident report.
Within hours of her arrest, not only was the individual being publicly vilified and ridiculed on online channels for her behaviour, but alleged explicit details about an existing diagnosis of a mental condition and even a family member’s name had been posted widely.
Such detailed disclosure to the public appears both unnecessary, given that the security situation had already been stabilised, and unprecedented. Malaysian law protects the right of an individual to privacy, including the process of taking statements and leaking of official reports could therefore constitute an offence.
The confidentiality of such documents is protected with the procedure code, which was described by our author in his opinion published on CodeBlue on September 17, 2025.
Furthermore, the rights of persons with mental illness are protected in Malaysia and internationally by certain legislations, all of which affirm their right to be treated as equal citizens under the law. It is also well established in medical literature that individuals suffering from severe mental illness (SMI) are in fact more likely to be the victim of crimes than to commit them.
Hence, having the said person’s personal information circulated in such a manner is not merely a violation of her personal and legal rights as a citizen but raises the possibility of selective discriminatory treatment on the basis of her probably having an SMI.
Such an outcome could be deeply shameful, distressing and damaging to the individual involved, especially if she had committed her offence when mentally unwell, as well as repercussions to be borne by her family and friends.
It is both ironic and sobering that this should take place on a day when we celebrate the inviolable civil rights and freedoms given to us at our own birth, as well as that of our nation, and we express regret at the actions taken and the subsequent treatment towards the individual. Sharing of confidential information and netizen’s jury can be considered a variant of bullying and the authorities and public alike should be cognisant enough to desist from encouraging them and to instead exercise restraint, sensitivity and diligence as only with such consistent and fair treatment can the civil rights of all Malaysians be rendered meaningful.
Sharing of confidential information and netizen’s jury can be considered a variant of bullying and the authorities and public alike should be cognisant enough to desist from encouraging them and to instead exercise restraint, sensitivity and diligence as only with such consistent and fair treatment can the civil rights of all Malaysians be rendered meaningful.
On the flip side, taking advantage of a patient’s vulnerability can also be considered as a form of bullying. The case of the specialist medical professional in Penang who was arrested four times for outraging the modesty of his female patients he encountered at general practice clinics had garnered much attention, the latest being a women’s non-government organisation questioning why up to early August 2025 he has yet to be charged.
While the doctor is rumoured to still be working at a general hospital and continuing to do locums, the mental anguish and trauma that his patients are undoubtedly undergoing is likely not being fully considered by the relevant authorities.
Our concern also revolves around how such acts leading to negative perceptions and diminished trust will paint our profession in bad light, especially at a time when public opinion of the medical sector appears to be dwindling in view of recent media attention.
Another incident involving the death of a young girl in Sabah has gripped the nation with grief and a pertinent question now tugs at our conscience: Are we, as human beings, losing the very essence that makes us human?
From doctors losing their capacity to function to youngsters found lifeless at the base of buildings, the consequences of bullying are heartbreaking.
Has bullying truly escalated in recent times, or are we simply more aware of its existence because of social media? Perhaps it is both. The impact of bullying can strip away confidence, shatter mental health and in tragic cases, end lives.
The dark side of social media then rears its ugly head and becomes the catalyst that amplifies anger and conflict, leaving many affected and feeling burdened, restless and enraged.
Parenting today comes with its own share of challenges and it is admittedly far from easy. Before sending children out into the world, it begs us to confront a most difficult question: Is a child truly ready to stand on its own?
Focusing on academic skills alone is no longer enough. Parents must set realistic goals and expectations according to children’s unique capabilities.
Lessons on survival skills resilience, the ability to cope with disappointments and the courage to be assertive when in the right must begin from home.
Just as importantly, parents must themselves remain grounded so that children can learn by example and building strong bonds will allow them to confide in those they are dependent upon without fear of reprimand. When trust is palpable, children are more likely to seek guidance rather than suffer in silence.
But when children are accused of bullying or misconduct, parents’ first instinct is often to go on the defensive. It is natural to want to protect them, but protectiveness must never come at the expense of accountability.
Parents, educators, and communities must work hand-in-hand to raise resilient, empathetic and accountable individuals. If we as a society fail to act, we risk raising a generation disconnected from compassion, the very trait that makes us human.
Such untoward incidents are merely a few examples that prove negligence in taking due and appropriate action can taint the good name of noble authorities and professions, as well as cause further suffering to victims on the receiving end of such acts.
Ramping up responsibility to deal with the delivery of justice is paramount, and it has to be done swiftly, but in as humane a way as possible.
Hence, this is not a case of somebody else’s problem but is instead everybody’s problem. Just a little something for all of us to ponder on as we move into yet another year as a federation, after just having celebrated our 62nd Malaysia Day.
Dr Thinesh Rajasingam, Dr Gayathri K Kumarasuriar and Dr Prem Kumar Chandrasekaran wrote this article on behalf of the Psychiatry Chapter of College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine Malaysia.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
