PUTRAJAYA —The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has warned higher education institutions (IPTs) against covering up bullying incidents, following two cases of assault by seniors on cadet officers at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) recently.
Such incidents have given a bad image to local IPTs which are supposed be places of nurturing and learning, it said in a statement.
The ministry urged IPT staff and students to act as ‘eyes and ears’ for the authorities and report any cases of misconduct to the relevant parties, adding that it would work closely with enforcement agencies should there be any violation of laws.
“MOHE would like to issue a stern warning to all IPTs not to protect or engage in such bullying incidents. The ministry will not compromise, and stern action will be taken against those found guilty,” it said
MOHE said it is to hold in-depth discussions with the Defence Ministry (MINDEF) to review existing policies and enhance procedures to effectively addressing bullying at UPNM.
MOHE explained that UPNM students were divided into two categories, with 80% being civilian students and 20% cadet officers.
The management of these two student categories is shared between UPNM under the MOHE, and the Military Training Academy (ALK) under MINDEF.
“UPNM, under MOHE, is responsible for teaching and learning (PdP), lectures, and student activities from 8 am to 5 pm, while ALK oversees military discipline, non-academic activities, and military training starting at 5 pm onwards, including weekends and public holidays.
“MOHE works closely with MINDEF to ensure the smooth execution of all activities and programmes arranged for UPNM students in both categories,” the statement read.
Regarding the bullying case that allegedly occurred at ALK, UPNM, on Oct 21, involving a first year student who suffered rib and spinal injuries after being stepped on by a senior, MOHE said that it would leave the investigation to the police and provide full cooperation for further action.
This case was reported to the police after another one which also took place at the university in October, also involving a senior who has now been charged in court with placing a hot iron on a cadet’s chest.
In 2017, the bullying of UPNM cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain by seniors killed him after he was beaten and tortured with a hot steam iron pressed to his body several times.
Six former UPNM students have been convicted for his murder, with the Court of Appeal imposing the death sentence. – November 13, 2024