The National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) has been embroiled in a series of disturbing bullying incidents, prompting strong reactions from government officials and reigniting public concern over the pervasive nature of such acts within the institution’s military training academy. Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan has emphasized the importance of sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, promising firm action and widespread publicity of the punishments meted out to perpetrators. This declaration follows the expulsion of five cadet officers involved in recent bullying cases, a move intended to serve as a deterrent and underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the issue. The expelled cadets have also been ordered to compensate the Malaysian government for the expenses incurred during their studies, adding a financial dimension to the consequences of their actions.
The gravity of the situation is further underscored by the intervention of Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim, who expressed deep regret over the persistent recurrence of bullying within UPNM’s military training academy. The ruler lamented the fact that such incidents continue to surface annually, despite previous cases reaching the courts, raising concerns about the effectiveness of past interventions and the apparent lack of sustained behavioral change within the institution. The recent incidents, resulting in serious injuries to victims, have only served to amplify the calls for more decisive action and a comprehensive overhaul of the academy’s culture. The Sultan’s remarks reflect a growing frustration with the recurring nature of these incidents and the need for a more impactful response to prevent future occurrences.
The specific details of recent cases paint a grim picture of the abuse inflicted upon junior cadets. One incident involved a 22-year-old cadet officer, Mohd Adil Mat Awang Ghani, accused of brutally stomping on the stomach of a 19-year-old junior with spiked boots, causing fractures to the victim’s rib and spine. This act of violence highlights the physical brutality present within the academy and the vulnerability of junior cadets to senior officers who abuse their positions of power. Another case involved 22-year-old cadet officer Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan, accused of pressing a heated steam iron to the chest of his 20-year-old junior, Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, after a seemingly trivial request to have his clothes ironed. This incident illustrates the potential for even seemingly mundane tasks to become pretexts for abuse, underscoring the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation that can exist within such hierarchical environments.
Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him but was nonetheless expelled from UPNM and ordered to pay compensation exceeding RM44,000, a significant financial penalty designed to deter similar behavior in the future. This expulsion, alongside the other four, demonstrates a concerted effort by the authorities to address the immediate problem and send a strong signal that such actions will not be tolerated. However, the underlying issues contributing to this recurring pattern of abuse require a deeper examination. The focus must shift beyond individual punishments to address the systemic factors that allow such behavior to flourish within the academy.
The recent incidents at UPNM inevitably evoke memories of the tragic death of Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, a navy cadet who died seven years ago as a result of brutal bullying at the hands of fellow students. Six former UPNM students were subsequently sentenced to death for their role in his murder, a stark reminder of the potentially fatal consequences of unchecked aggression and abuse within the military academy. While the sentences delivered in the Zulfarhan case represent a strong legal response, they also highlight the persistent failure of the institution to effectively address the root causes of such extreme violence.
The recurring nature of bullying incidents at UPNM necessitates a comprehensive review of the academy’s culture, training practices, and disciplinary procedures. While expulsions and financial penalties can serve as deterrents, a more fundamental shift is required to address the underlying power dynamics and create a safer, more respectful environment for all cadets. This includes strengthening oversight mechanisms, promoting open communication channels for reporting abuse, and implementing robust anti-bullying programs that address the psychological and social factors contributing to such behavior. Ultimately, the goal must be to cultivate a culture of respect, accountability, and zero tolerance for bullying within the military training academy, ensuring that such tragic incidents are never repeated.
