Kuala Lampur, Aug. 29 -- Every year, Malaysians proudly celebrate Independence Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16.

These celebrations fill us with pride, reminding us of the unity and courage that shaped the nation's independence.

Yet, as our Jalur Gemilang is flown widely across the country, a painful question lingers: are we truly free if our children and workers still live under the shadow of bullying?

On July 16, 2025, the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in Sabah forced Malaysians to confront this painful reality.

She was first found unconscious near her school dormitory with serious injuries and later died in the hospital. What at first seemed like an accident soon raised darker suspicions when her mothe...