The teacher is currently being investigated by the police and state education department.
The student’s father, Muniandy Ratnam, has pleaded with the education department to ensure that teachers followed the standard operating procedure (SOP) for punishing pupils.
The 13-year-old was accused of stealing the phone. She insisted that she had not taken the phone but her teacher did not believe her.
She was allegedly questioned by three teachers, hit by one in front of other students, and locked in the teachers’ room for almost five hours, recounted Muniandy.
The accusing teacher and her husband then drove the student home after school to report the incident to her parents.
The parents then went out with the teacher to sort things out. When her parents returned home later that night, they found her alive but unconscious.
As of Monday, the student’s condition was stable but critical.
“I am not saying the teachers are wrong, but I advise the department to make sure teachers follow the SOP when they have to solve issues with their students,” Muniandy said.
“Don’t let something like this happen again. I am only asking for this.”
The state education department deputy director Mohd Jamil Mohamed told The Malaysian Insight that the department was trying to determine if the SOP was followed in the school.
Warning signs for suicide
• talking about wanting to die
• looking for a way to kill oneself
• talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• sleeping too little or too much
• withdrawing or feeling isolated
• showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.
Need help or know someone who does?
Call the following hotlines:
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444
Befrienders KL: (+603) 79568145
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