Foreign counsel is currently being sought to assist in drafting a comprehensive statute to criminalise bullying and classify it as a formal criminal offence, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced.
The Attorney General’s Office is spearheading the legislative drafting process, a development President Muizzu initially disclosed during a late April press conference. Speaking on the fifth episode of ‘The Pulse’ podcast series, President Muizzu noted that the administration is taking all possible measures to enforce stringent legal consequences against bullying, with the legislation serving as a cornerstone of those efforts. Officials are conducting the drafting process in close consultation with stakeholders and technical experts dedicated to combating bullying, he noted.
"Community assistance is required to resolve the issues of bullying," President Muizzu asserted, adding that the government is working to establish holistic health and provide necessary psychological support. The administration is actively endeavouring to bolster mental well-being and improve broad access to psychiatric treatments, he observed. Officials are working relentlessly to ensure the National Mental Health Helpline becomes a robust system for the public, President Muizzu added.
Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme, has provided vital relief through mental health treatment coverage, President Muizzu remarked. The administration is developing a new facility while advancing strategic initiatives to expand psychiatric services at existing hospitals, he stated. The proposed legislation will detail regulatory matters, mandate reporting, and integrate educational materials into school curricula.