A veteran Malaysian journalist said schools in Hong Kong have become breeding grounds for anti-government protests — giving rise to irrationality and lawlessness in the once-law-abiding city.

Wong Chun Wai, the former group chief editor of Star Media Group Berhad, a leading Malaysian news company, made the remarks on Wednesday in an interview with China Daily.

As minors clad in black go on rampages on the streets in Hong Kong, Wong believes the education system, particularly how the curriculum is delivered, should be re-examined.

"There's something wrong when 12-year-olds, 15-year-olds, or 14-year-olds are involved in these protests — just really wrong ... It would not happen anywhere else in the world," said Wong.

The media veteran, with over 30 years in the industry, believes today's young generation — who will be the future leaders of Hong Kong — are being raised with hatred and disrespect of the law.