KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — Five cadet officers from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia’s (UPNM) Military Training Academy, who were involved in three recent bullying cases, have been expelled from the university and terminated from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in a statement today that the decision was made during an MAF Council meeting yesterday, following a review of the recommendations put forward by the training academy.
“These cadet officers have been ordered to pay compensation to the Malaysian government for expenses incurred during their studies,” he said.
He said these measures are independent of any that may be taken by UPNM or the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
In the first case, he explained, Amirul Iskandar Ahmad Norhanizan assaulted Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, who had a hot iron pressed to his chest.
The incident was uncovered by a trainer during a routine physical exam on October 28. An investigation revealed the perpetrator had physically abused the victim.
Amirul Iskandar’s appointment as cadet officer was revoked, his service in the army terminated, and he was ordered to pay the government RM44,600.20.
He was also charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on November 8 under Section 324 of the Penal Code, with proceedings ongoing.
In the second case, cadet officer Alief Ahsreihan Ahslemy was abused by Izzat Izuddin Mohammad Arif, Muhammad Hidayat Haqimi Mohd Yuslan, and Ku Muhammad Irfan Ku Zaimi.
The perpetrators had subjected the victim to various forms of misconduct, including corrective punishment, physical abuse, forced personal tasks, and isolation, causing him emotional distress.
The three perpetrators had their cadet officer appointments revoked, their service in the army terminated, and were ordered to pay compensation of RM48,452.75, RM19,481.70, and RM44,600.20, respectively.
In the third case, Ammar Hafiy Muhammad Habib physically assaulted cadet officer Yeong Kian Rui, resulting in lower back trauma to the victim.
The perpetrator’s appointment as a cadet officer was revoked, his service in the army terminated, and he was ordered to pay compensation of RM32,115.95.
Khaled expressed hope this decision will deter bullies and restore and reinforce military values that should be upheld.
He said the Defence Ministry will not tolerate abuse within military institutions and will enhance prevention of such incidents.
“The Defence Ministry is committed to taking strong and decisive action against conduct that violates established ethics and regulations,” he stated.
— Bernama
