Bintulu Member of Parliament Dato Seri Tiong King Sing said this when addressed teachers, parents and students at a prize-giving ceremony of SMK Bandar Bintulu yesterday.

Tiong said attempts to hide students' disciplinary problems would be futile because the issue would eventually be known publicly.

"Don't pretend that the schools would always have good disciplinary records;(on the other hand, if situation is bad) you must say so, so that the problems could be identified properly by the authorities and the necessary actions taken," he said.

Tiong expressed his sadness upon learning lately that disciplinary problem certain secondary schools in the division here had reached a worrying level and a number of students had been involved in immoral activities.

He said being a Member of Parliament here, he felt that it was his duty to ensure that all parties would take the matter seriously and not to compromise in combating unhealthy activities involving students.

Tiong said he was saddened by instances of students threatening to harm teachers, with some behaving like gansters.

"It would seem that students are not respecting their teachers and elders enough," said Tiong, adding that there must be comprehensive ways found to address indiscipline among students.  At the gathering, Tiong also announced a grant of RM50,000 for the school's parent-teacher association (PTA) to carry out their activities, apart from pledging to deliver air-conditioning units for the school later.

Among those present at the function were principal Helen Tan, Bintulu Divisional Education Officer Abdillah Adam and PTA Chairman Osaha Suhaili.