KUALA LUMPUR – Those who cover up or fail to report bullying or abuse at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) will be considered complicit and face disciplinary action, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“We already have rules in place. Those who protect or conceal incidents of bullying or abuse will be treated as offenders themselves.
“What’s important is to raise awareness that we will not compromise on any bullying or abusive behaviour. Firm action will be taken, and penalties will be publicised. These are among the steps we will implement,” he said, as quoted by Bernama.
Khaled was speaking after officiating the Sustainable Knowledge Transfer, Economic Strengthening, and Empowerment Programme at Felda Bukit Aping in the Felda Bukit Aping Timur multipurpose hall today. He outlined enhanced safety measures to prevent bullying at UPNM, following a series of reported cases.
The Kota Tinggi MP highlighted plans to increase roll calls and surveillance within the Military Training Academy (ALK) as part of these measures.
“At the academy, cadets from first, second, third, and fourth years mingle, and this is where such incidents typically occur. They spend three to four years together, and they know who is senior and junior.
“So, we will conduct roll calls more frequently, install additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and implement other measures. If incidents like fights occur, roll calls may take place as late as 10 pm or 2 am. This will help us identify issues, depending on the situation,” he explained.
On November 27, Khaled announced that five ALK UPNM cadets involved in three bullying cases had faced disciplinary action, including the revocation of their appointments as cadet officers, dismissal from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and reimbursement to the government.
The institution has been plagued by repeated bullying reports, including a horrific case involving the death of a cadet who sustained 90 burn marks from a steam iron across his body.
Khaled stressed that the ministry would not tolerate such incidents and was determined to create a safer environment for cadets through stricter enforcement of regulations.
On December 3, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim decreed that the culture of bullying at UPNM must be stopped immediately.
Sultan Ibrahim, in His Majesty’s inaugural address as UPNM Chancellor, urged all parties to work towards ending this unhealthy practice and restoring the university’s good name.
“If it continues, I do not want my name associated with this university anymore. The commanders and leaders must also take responsibility and resign for failing in their duties.
“Parents send their children here to learn to become military officers, not to be subjected to bullying,” His Majesty said.
The King delivered this address during the proclamation ceremony of his appointment as UPNM Chancellor and its 14th Convocation.
The monarch emphasised that UPNM’s philosophy is to establish itself as a leading institution in the region in the fields of defence, military and security.
His Majesty noted that the university is supervised by the Ministry of Defence and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) through the Military Training Academy.
“This means discipline and military culture are fundamental to the university’s philosophy. However, I am deeply saddened by the bullying culture, which led to the death of a cadet officer in 2017.
“Training to become a military officer indeed requires rigorous physical and mental preparation, but it should not result in abuse causing injury or death.
“Even more distressing is that, despite previous bullying cases being brought to court, these incidents continue to occur yearly, as though no serious action has been taken by any party,” His Majesty said. – December 8, 2024