Kuala Lampur, Oct. 22 -- The Education Ministry recently released figures: 5,681 bullying cases reported in schools between January and August this year. The Prime Minister himself admitted the real number is "definitely higher."

It's disheartening. CCTV cameras have been installed. Police have been sent into schools. Counsellors have been added. So why does the bullying keep happening?

Let me say something uncomfortable but necessary: we've been treating a human problem with a surveillance mindset.

Cameras cover corridors and corners. They don't cover the punch thrown in the toilet, or the note passed under the desk with something cruel written on it. Police can arrest a perpetrator, but they can't arrest the fear a child carries walk...