Father of bully victim files suit against private school

KUALA LUMPUR: A father has filed a negligence suit against a private school in Setapak for failing to stop his son from being bullied.
Fairul Ramzi said he decided to take action against the school because he did not want other kids to fall victim to bullying.
"When he first came and complained about being bullied, I made the mistake of assuming that it was something normal. He used to come home complaining that he was poked, slapped, and his books were thrown.
"I told him then that he was bigger than the other boy and should be able to handle it," Fairul told the media outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court today morning.
"I was wrong. Parents should always take bullying seriously," he said.
Fairul said it was the same classmate who had repeatedly bullied his son.
"Despite our repeated complaints to the school, no action was taken," he said.
The incident which happened in the classroom on June 1, was captured on CCTV footage.
The CCTV footage also showed that the teacher was in the classroom at the time, and did not prevent the attack.
"The teacher did not stop the attack and after it happened, there was no action taken and no first aid given," he added.
Fairul said after the incident, his son who was in second grade (Primary 2), suffered abrasions to his face and buttocks and was too traumatised to return to school.
Lawyer Syahrezan Johan who is representing the family, said the parents decided to take the matter to court as they were not satisfied with the explanation provided by the school.
"This suit is not against the boy who was the bully, but against the school and the teacher for failing to ensure the safety of the child," he said.
Fairul is seeking RM6,097.70 in special damages and an unspecified amount for general damages.