MCA has expressed concern over the recent bullying incident at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) involving a junior cadet who sustained fractures to the ribs and spine after being stomped on by a senior on October 21.
Calling the incident “deeply shameful” for the university renowned for its prestige, party information chief Chan Quin Er noted that this incident occurred just under a month after a similar case was reported in the same university.
Chan was referring to the incident on Oct 22 where a UPNM military cadet was accused of hurting a fellow cadet with a hot steam iron pressed on the victim’s chest, causing severe burn injuries.
“Clearly, the tragic death of the late Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain seven years ago has failed to unwind the mindset of the trainees and trainers at UPNM,” she lamented.
“As a lawyer and one who once served in the Territorial Army, I strongly feel that there is a compelling need for constructive measures to be undertaken to unclog the mentality that bullying is a normal aspect of training.”
Recall that back in 2017, UPNM navy cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, 20, was bullied by six of his fellow students who beat him up and took turns pressing a hot steam iron on his entire body, ultimately resulting in his death.
The six who commited the murder were sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court on July 23 this year, after they were found guilty.
Chan noted that acts of bullying which result in injuries can be charged under Section 323 and 324 of the Penal Code and any utterance of words or gestures that are intended to insult the modesty of any person can be charged under Section 509 of the same Code.
Meanwhile, for offences under Section 324, a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine can be imposed under Section 325.
“Perhaps it is time to legislate stricter penalties to overcome the persistent issue of bullying,” she reckoned.
“At the same time, MCA believes that cadet training at UPNM can be conducted without any bullying of juniors by seniors.
“As for ‘ragging’ or ‘hazing’ they must be carefully monitored by a supervisor to ensure the activities do not get out of hand. The purpose of ‘hazing’ should be to build mental resilience, patience, and composure when facing challenges.”
Chan stressed that the excuse of “just joking” or “it’s all in good fun” among cadets cannot be accepted in any form, an UPNM staff must be held accountable.
“UPNM staff should not rely solely on punishment to prevent bullying but must take proactive steps to change the mindset that bullying is part of training, as this could escalate out of control and lead to serious injuries,” she said.
“A system should also be put in place to allow juniors to file complaints against any senior who engages in bullying. We understand that UPNM seeks to instil discipline and obedience to orders without questioning senior officers. However, there has clearly been an abuse by powers by some senior cadets, and this cannot be tolerated.
“It is hoped that UPNM will reassess its operational methods to ensure the total eradication of bullying, and that the reputation of UPNM can be restored.” – Nov 11, 2024
Main image: The Star
