We speak out as a community of persons with disabilities, family members, and allies of persons with disabilities, because harmful narratives about disability, autism, and mental illness are increasingly shaping the public response to a devastating tragedy: the fatal stabbing of a student by a younger schoolmate at a school.
Of the many incidents involving children in recent months, this tragedy has cut deeply because of how the public discourse has unfolded before the facts were even known.
It is not only the impact of violence itself but also how quickly public discourse has conflated disability with danger, violence, and threats. Comments such as “An OKU card will now appear as his biggest defence” or “This is what happens when mentally ill children are in school” are spreading like wildfire online, fuelling stigma and misinforming public opinion. These narratives do real damage to communities, policies, and lives.
Safety is a daily challenge shaped by our lived realities of being disabled and raising children with disabilities. Our children endure violence, discrimination, and exclusion, affecting not only them but also their families and the broader OKU community. We worry for the safety and well-being of our children with disabilities in school, even as we pack their bags each night.
These worries are amplified for those with psychosocial disabilities or mental health conditions. Their families face unique challenges, as misunderstanding, misinformation, and harmful assumptions frequently result in their children being further marginalised rather than accessing the right support.
We grieve deeply for all involved. Our hearts are with the family mourning an unimaginable loss, with the students and teachers whose lives are now forever altered, and with the child accused and his family, whose lives will be irrevocably changed.
This tragedy has shaken us all, demanding that we respond not only with justice but also with humanity. It is irresponsible to spread hearsay or publish alleged psychological information about the young person’s diagnosis.
It is not our place to judge, to disclose, or to disseminate these speculations. Doing so violates a child’s dignity, privacy, and rights under the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC), Section 15(2) of the Child Rights Act and Section 233 (2) of Communications and Multimedia Act, protection of minors in Malaysia.
These actions harm families raising children with disabilities, particularly hidden or psychosocial disabilities, who already face intense scrutiny from society.
We are alarmed by reports that some media outlets have revealed or hinted at the identities of both children in this case and previous ones. This is not only unethical but dangerous, exposing minors and their families to harassment, stigma, and public judgement. We call on all media to respect child protection, privacy, and journalistic responsibility.
An OKU card or a mental illness diagnosis does not shield one from accountability. It is a mechanism for support and rights protection. Weaponising it in public discourse misleads and stops them from seeking support.
Research shows that people with psychosocial disabilities or mental health conditions are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators, and there is no causal link between autism and violence.
Global studies also reinforce that violence often stems from social conditions, trauma, unmet needs, and environmental stress, not diagnoses.
None of us is excusing harm. The law and justice must run their course. But the language we use matters. To perpetually link violent acts as a symptom of disability and a mental illness diagnosis, we become directly responsible for reinforcing fear, upholding myths, silencing families’ struggles, and isolating children. Thus, creating a society that sees exclusion as the only way to keep schools safe. We must do better.
Adolescence, with or without disability, is a complex and fragile period shaped by identity, pressure, emotion, and unspoken pain. Responding with anger or sensationalism ignores this complexity.
Parents of children with disabilities share the same hopes and fears for their children as any other. Yet, harmful narratives influence policy and attitudes, determining whether their child will be supported or excluded at school.
These narratives have now reached every parent who is often blamed for their child’s condition. It also reaches those who choose not to disclose it, and we then question why they make that choice. It touches every child labelled “Hi, I’m dangerous” because of autism, ADHD, mental illness, or trauma, and every teacher who feels unequipped to support them.
That simple intention of “sharing” information or expressing one’s opinion does have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable communities.
Policing and exclusion do not build safety. We must build systems that support, not punish. And integrate psychological first aid and psychosocial services into schools, train staff to respond with compassion, and create environments where difference is part of humanity, not a threat. We must make schools places of safety and inclusion, with psychological support embedded in education.
We are calling for good ethics and accountability from media practitioners, policymakers, educators, and the wider public. We must reject harmful speculation and stereotypes of mental illness or disability. We continually remind all of us to pause, to reflect, before posting or sharing these narratives.
Before assuming mental illness would explain violence, ask: are we sensationalising? Are we contributing to understanding or reinforcing harmful stereotypes? Are we harming an already stigmatised community? Are my words helping us heal or fueling fear?
True safety is not achieved by removing differences, but by supporting and protecting every child, including those with psychosocial disabilities or experiencing mental illness.
This tragedy must remind us to show up better for those who are still in school and deserve safe, supportive environments. And keeping a child out of school because of a condition they have is not the answer here.
Endorsed by 276 individuals and organisations from the OKU community and allies:
- Ng Lai Thin, Disability-inclusion advocate, Inclusive education specialist, author, care partner of family members with cognitive disabilities.
- Beatrice Leong, Gender-Disability Activist, Independent Documentary Filmmaker, Autistic Woman.
- Yuenwah San, disability rights and intersectionality advocate, care partner of a person with disabilities, older person with hidden disabilities.
- Prof Dr Toh Teck Hock, Vice President, National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC)
- Dr Amar-Singh HSS, Consultant Paediatrician, Child and Disability Activist.
- The OKU Rights Matter Project
- SIUMAN Collective
- CRIB Foundation (Child Rights Innovation & Betterment)
- HAYAT
- Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
- Klinik Kenit
- Gabungan Anak-Anak Palsi Serebrum (GAPS)
- North South Initiative
- SIS Forum (Malaysia)
- Aliran
- Special Needs Parents Network (SPENT) Miri
- Mental Health Association of Sarawak (Miri Branch)
- Mental Health Association of Sarawak
- i-Life Suicide Prevention Association of Penang (i-Life)
- Malaysian Autism Resource Foundation (MARF)
- The HeartBased Group (THBG)
- Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN)
- Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies National Organisation (MyBIM)
- D’Home Mental Health Association of Penang
- Society for Promotion of Human Rights (PROHAM)
- Rafeah Natasha, Gender-Disability Advocate, Neurodivergent Woman
- Ineza Roussille, Filmmaker
- Sarah Ann Chou, Clinical Psychologist
- Mediha Mahmood, CEO, Content Forum
- Khoo E-May, Autistic Woman, HRDC Accredited Trainer, Licensed SPELL User.
- Khoo Hooi Lay, music teacher, urban gardening-for-health advocate, ally of OKU and families.
- Ch’ng B’ao Zhong, Autistic Person, licensed and Registered Counsellor
- Ooi Ivan
- Frances Lim, Clinical Psychologist
- Joseph Ngu, Postgraduate Student in Psychology
- Dr Wong Woan Yiing, Consultant Paediatrician
- Dr Balkis Nachiah, Medical Officer KK Pandamaran, Mother to 2 autistic children
- Tan Jun Hang, Nurse, Neurodivergent with Psychosocial Disability, DET Trainer
- Siti Sarah binti Jasni
- Gan Junqi, Entrepreneur, mother of autistic child
- Ng Xinmeen, ADHD adult
- Margaret Lee, mother
- Bernard Lau Sie Ming free, father of autistic child
- Shirley Lim
- Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar, Neurodivergent, Human Rights Defender with Multiple Disabilities
- Alvin Ng Lai Oon (PhD), Clinical Psychologist
- Karen Shirley Giom, Mother of autistic child with OKU card
- Ariel Huang, Graduate Tutor and postgraduate student in psychology
- Dr Izam Suziani Ismail, Autism Advocate, mother of an autistic child, author.
- Ainin Sofeah, Health Policy Researcher and Mental Health Advocate
- Miza Marsya Roslan, Rare Disease Advocate, individual living with rare disease.
- Ivan Lee, Clinical Psychologist
- Jananie Chandrarao, Postgraduate Student, Clinical Psychology
- Puteri Karima, Autism Advocate, Mother of an autistic child
- Jacqueline Foo, Clinical Psychologist
- Hannah Abdul Aziz, Mental Health and Accessibility Advocate
- Mohd Khairulikhwan, Father to young autistic child
- Sherrene Teh, Registered Music Therapist
- Aleeya Shaheera, Mother of an autistic child
- Nur Dini, Mother of an autistic child and child with ADHD
- Sya A., Autistic and Disability Rights Advocate, Postgraduate Student in Autism Studies, autistic adult with psychosocial disabilities
- Samantha, mother of Autistic and ASD child
- Aimi Maizura, mother of an autistic child
- Cheah You Chee, parent of child with autism and OKU card holder
- Shawn Sharif, person living with multiple disabilities & patient advocate
- Lim Xiu Yi, Single Mother of an autistic teenager
- Nicholas Chin
- Siti Marlina, mother of an ASD child
- Andi Miranti
- Dhia Rezki Rohaizad, Programme Manager, JEJAKA
- Yeap Yen Ying, a social worker against any form of violence
- Azrin Husaini Hashim, father of a child with autism
- Yap Sook Yee, advocate for children with disability and mum of a child with Spinal muscular atrophy.
- Leong Siew Yoong, Medical Doctor, Wife to an Autistic Person
- Bawanie Rajendran, Clinical Psychologist
- Magdalene Chow
- Norman Goh, Journalist
- Emelyn Lee
- Ali Azmi, socio-economics researcher, OKU ally
- Leela Panikkar
- Hana Yusli
- Rafidah Rafizah Ahmad, mother of a child with cerebral palsy & advocate for children with disability
- Adrian Anthony Pereira
- Abraham Isaac Pereira, autistic
- Dr Wong Tze Peng, Speech-Language Therapist, Associate Professor in Special and Inclusive Education
- Wong Keng Bing, Interventionist
- Melissa Tan, Interventionist
- Norliyana, Family member of an autistic individual
- Dorothy George Dass, mother to a working child with Autism
- Puteri Kaarriena, Autism Advocate, Aunty of an autistic child
- Ho Lee Ching, Disabled theatre practitioner and advocate
- Nur Aina Fatihah Mohd Amin, person living with multiple disabilities, gender-disability advocate
- Cassandra Guan Li Min, autistic and schizoaffective adult
- Kamariah Rahmah, Lawyer and Human Rights advocate
- Yvonne Ding, Parent to Autistic Young Adult
- Dr. Ng Yin Ping, Psychiatrist
- Dolly G Dass
- Siti Nurul ‘Ain Saari, Occupational Therapist
- Nurdayana Aidi, AIM HIGH member
- Dr. Chan Lai Fong, Professor of Psychiatry & Suicide Prevention, General Secretary of the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP)
- Leela Koran (PhD), Linguist with an interest in dementia care and mental health issues.
- Kuria Dip Silas
- Lee Hwee Ming
- Lily Ma
- Lina Teoh, Independent Documentary Filmmaker, parent advocate
- Aimee Chan, Principal, Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Eden Selangor dan KL
- Jerry Tong Kai Wei, Autistic, Creator, Artist, Writer and Aspiring Activist
- Alia Ali @ KakNgah, Founder AWareness Against Suicide (AWAS)
- Derrick Tan Jia Xin, Autistic, Barista
- Tay Chia Yi, speech-language therapist
- Lee Huey Juen, homemaker, mother of child with hearing loss
- Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif, President, Malaysian Rare Disorders Society
- Dr Diana Wee, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
- Shing Yee Ling, Clinical Psychologist
- Jacqueline, Homemaker, mother of handicap child
- Izyan Nadiah Md Noh, special needs advocate and a mother to a child with chromosome translocation 17 & 2, and complex medical needs.
- Teong Chia Ying, Occupational Therapist
- Anil Netto, writer and activist
- Dora Ong Suan Lin, Mother to an Autistic Child
- Anisya Anis, Autistic
- Pheh Kai Shuen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Malicca Ratne, President, Soroptimist International Pearl of the Orient, OKU ally
- Lim Wee Seong, Malaysia Stateless Alliance
- Chan Shiu Sum, Child Psychologist
- Natalie Cheong, Interventionist
- Genevieve Chung
- Dr. Tan Hui Siu, General Paediatrician, mother to three teenagers.
- Dr. Nik Ruzyanei, Consultant Psychiatrist.
- Tamyra Selvarajan, Advocacy Officer WAO and person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Chong Shu Fen, Registered and Licensed Counselor
- Hyma Sasikumar, Certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner
- Penny Ong, Interventionist
- Ashwin Thind, Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Cheah Boon Eu, Neurodivergent, Medical Officer
- Dr. Dian Syafiqah Zulkarnain, primary care doctor and certified in suicide first aid
- Aaron LK Wong, parent to 3 children with ASD
- Adrian Hii, 36-year-old working man, working in Menara Maybank for more than a year
- Jasmine Kan Lai Yeang
- Dr. Lee Khiam Jin, an academic, and inclusive society advocate
- Dr Wong Yin Hoong, General Pediatrician
- Dr Chen Wei, OKU ally
- Choong Wan Chin, Choreographer and Founder of KL Dance Works, OKU ally
- Jo Kukathas, Actor, Writer, Director, The Instant Café Theatre Company
- Sam Loh
- Tay Jia May, Clinical Psychologist
- Tay Shu Shen, Speech Therapist
- Nash Malik
- Yunice Ong Ee Lan, Clinical Psychologist
- Liu Moy Yub, Clinical Psychologist
- Prudence Lingham, Speech therapist, Disability and inclusivity advocate
- Justin Wong, Stratum Technologies
- Tan Hor Yinn, Trainee Clinical Psychologist
- Anrie Too, Lecturer, Performer, Mother of 2.
- Dr. Kelvin Lee Yuen San, Consultant Psychiatrist.
- Beverly Joeman, human rights activist, hearing aid assisted
- Dr Chow Lai Yin, paediatrician, advocate for inclusivity and neurodiversity
- Dr Sheila GK, Consultant Pediatrician & Senior Lecturer, MAHSA University.
- Maryam Ismail, researcher, ASD and ADHD.
- Intan Nahariah Yaacob, Parent and neurodiversity advocate
- Lee Voon Yee, Clinical Psychologist
- Teo Ting Ting, Teacher
- Ivan Ho, Befrienders Penang.
- Ridwan Yusoff, PT Foundation
- Naziaty binti Mohd Yaacob (PhD, architecture), Accessibility Consultant with multiple disabilities
- Wong Yee Qing
- Chai Jing Yun
- Kayla Baxter
- Low Qin Yi, Clinical Psychologist
- Denzell Tan Beng Wah, DEAF person, grab driver
- Dr N.Thiyagar, Paediatrician, Adolescent Medicine Specialist
- Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Malaysian Paediatric Association
- Fatimah Amir, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
- Dr. Lee Jia Ni
- Dr Nurul Azwa, Medical Officer, mother with 2 OKU kids
- Prakash Ravindran, Clinical Psychologist
- Leong Sin Yee, Hon Secretary Children’s Protection Society Malaysia
- Lee Yu Ying, Founder Shining Star Learning Hub
- Dr Sheila GK
- Hong Yean Keow, pwd
- Dr Siti Hazrah Selamat Din, Psychiatrist, Mental Health advocate
- Loh E. Laine, Licensed & Registered Counsellor
- Ng Kai Yean, Licensed and Registered Counsellor
- Alicia Ng, Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Josila Hasbullah, mother of Neurodivergent child
- Aishah Taraji
- Adeline J. Samuil, Occupational Therapist
- Ivy Josiah, Past President, Women’s Aid Organisation
- Arielle Estefania Chin
- Dexter Tan Chi Eng, Licensed & Registered Counsellor
- Low Lai Kwan, Clinical Psychologist
- Vanessa Ng, Psychology Graduate and Teacher
- Fabian Dicom, Catholic Priest & Director of Caritas Malaysia
- Dr Sim Joo Seng, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Cardiologist, Advisor to Penang Down Syndrome Association
- Keith Lee Bryan
- Marina Tan, ADHDer, performing arts practitioner
- Khor Ai Na, CEO, Asia Community Service, Penang
- Shirene Shanmughalingam
- Kamal Bayramov
- Dr Sheila GK, Consultant Pediatrician & Senior Lecturer, MAHSA University
- Hwa Yang Jerng, individual citizen of Malaysia
- Christina Wong, Licensed and Registered Counsellor
- Sor Lee Ting, Licensed and Registered Counsellor
- Silviana Bonadei, 2 Way Centre coordinator
- Tan Zong Yan, Clinical Psychologist
- Dato’ Dr. Sharom Ahmat, Vice President, – Association of Children with Special Needs
- Marcus Lim YunHao, Performing Arts Practitioner, Co-Coordinator, Ombak Potehi, OKU ally
- Dr. Lynne Yong, registered clinical psychologist.
- Tay Mi Shyuan, special educator
- Ang Wei Ying
- Amiza Azwani Binti Abdul Aziz, Clinical psychologist
- Magtum Aen, Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Phylycia Lowe, Co-Founder of Q2Q
- Lim Tien Hong (PhD), Blind advocate for Disability Inclusion
- Lee Han
- Anthony Chong (PhD), Deaf advocate
- Joanna Hew, mother to daughter with Down Syndrome
- Katherine Khoo, President, Persatuan Pendidikan Sosioemosi Malaysia
- Mohd Shafiq Bin Badarulhisham, Autistic
- Yvonne Lee, Registered Counsellor
- Dr Saw Shi Hui, Paediatrician
- Dr Ling How Kee, Disability rights advocate and social work educator
- Ramesh Vadiveloo, HIV / AIDS Advocate
- Moses Choo, Blind advocate for OKU rights
- Kang Jia Yi, Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Azizah Othman, Associate Professor in Psychology & Clinical Psychologist, Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Jason Lim Jie Sheng, Advocate & Solicitor
- Shingni Ooi, trainee clinical psychologist, Taylor’s university.
- Melanie Oh, mother to a person with Down Syndrome, advocate
- Ian Ho Chung Han, Clinical Psychologist, The Passion Hub.
- Bernard Hyacinth, Catholic Priest and Compassionate Humanist
- Keith Song Khai Leng, Performing Arts Practitioner, Co-Coordinator, Ombak Potehi, OKU ally
- Dr Cheah Yee Ping, Consultant Paediatrician
- Ang I Yi
- Wong Ee Lynn, Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Tan Zhi Ching
- Husna Nabeela Binti Hussain, Designer
- Goo Wan Tian, Quality Analyst
- Adlin Murphy, Clinical Psychologist
- Darshavishaakan, Clinical Psychologist
- Syuhanaz Saharudin, AuDHD adult, care partner of a neurodivergent step son.
- Lee Loong Yaw, ADHD and autistic adult
- Izly Ishak, father to an Autistic son
- Mohammad Izwan Othman, Technical Officer, AuDHD Adult
- Calvin Cheong, parent of Down Syndrome child
- Hanaa Wong Abdullah, Positive Psychology Practitioner
- Mariam Zahiah Tazali, Mother to a daughter with Down Syndrome and an advocate for inclusion and special needs awareness.
- Jasniza Johari, educator and support worker
- Melody Chee (DPsych), Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Khairunnoah Idris bin Khairudin, ADHD Adult
- Dr Tan May Loong, Paediatrician
- Kong Chan Cheat
- Kuat Lee Meng, parent to a child with ASD
- Catherine Wang, Caritas Malaysia
- Yeoh Huey Ting, Licensed and Registered Counsellor
- Hannah Tang, Trainee Clinical Psychologist
- Carmen Ooi, Senses At Work
- Shaleen Chrisanne, Clinical Psychologist
- Ivy Peik, Parent of kids with visually impaired
- Eileen Soon, Founder of LemmeLearn Empowerment Center
- Marites Collantes, parent of a child with Down Syndrome
- Terence Tan, parent to a child with Down syndrome
- Izzat Zaidi, co-founder, The QARE Initiative
- Toh Yuhang, co-founder, The QARE Initiative
- Alvin Teoh, Parent Advocate, The National Family Support Group for Children and People with Special Needs.
- Gan Chun Hong, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Li-Hsian Choo, inclusive education advocate and parent advocate to a child with Down syndrome
- Samuel Chew, Interpreter, UNOG
- Yap Kai Xin Ketty, Trainee Clinical Psychologist
- Goh Lay Phing, Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Julian Tan Yen Ju, parent to a child with Down syndrome
- Jimmy Tan Jin Ming, Medical Consultant in Photomobulation
- Moong Lee Peng, parent to a child with Krabbe
- Haniza Binti Mohd Salleh, mother to 2 autistic kids
- Nur Annie Maria, mother to a daughter with Down Syndrome
- Elijah Ling Zhao Zhong, UTM student with autism.
- Dr Chua Ker Yung, Pediatrician and Developmental Pediatrics Trainee.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.