The Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is intensifying its stance against bullying and abuse following a recent disturbing case at the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). In a forceful speech on Friday, Mr. Anwar pledged zero tolerance for bullying in educational institutions, particularly military academies, in response to the alleged assault of a cadet by a senior officer at the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Military Training Academy.
The Prime Minister’s comments follow a wave of public outrage and a series of posts on social media that criticize the persistence of bullying at UPNM. Photos of the cadet’s injuries, including burn marks alleged to have been inflicted with a hot iron, went viral earlier this week, drawing comparisons to the infamous 2017 case of Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, a navy cadet who died after suffering extreme abuse, also at UPNM. Anwar’s address to students and faculty at UPNM underscored the government’s commitment to tackling a pervasive culture of abuse within educational institutions.
An Institution Under Scrutiny: A History of Abuse Allegations
The incident at UPNM marks a haunting repeat of the 2017 case, where 21-year-old Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain endured severe physical abuse, including burns from a hot iron, resulting in his tragic death. After a lengthy trial, six former students were sentenced to death earlier this year for Zulfarhan’s murder. The case, often described as one of Malaysia’s most shocking, galvanized the country and sparked calls for reforms within UPNM and other educational institutions.
This recent incident appears to have replicated the same methods of abuse, raising questions about whether the university has effectively addressed the issue of bullying. “It seems that the bullying culture using an iron is ingrained in UPNM,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the frustration of thousands of others on social media. Many netizens expressed disappointment and concern, citing the need for meaningful change to protect future cadets and students.
Addressing an audience at UPNM, Prime Minister Anwar did not mince words, stating that a culture of bullying and abuse persists because it has historically been tolerated and even defended. He called for immediate, decisive action, insisting that the government would not allow such incidents to continue unchecked.
“This culture of thuggery, bullying, and gangsterism in schools cannot be allowed to flourish,” he stated. “Whether it’s national, Tamil, Chinese, or religious schools, it is madness because we talk about knowledge but not about morals and values.” Anwar criticized the cultural mindset that perpetuates bullying and urged both education officials and military authorities to collaborate in eradicating it.
Anwar’s speech signals a broader push to reform educational institutions and tackle issues of abuse, with special attention given to the role of higher-ranking individuals in perpetuating these practices. His comments were accompanied by an instruction to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to launch a thorough investigation and enact stronger preventative measures. Anwar specifically advised against compromise, urging her to hold educational institutions accountable.
The Malaysian Armed Forces, represented by Chief of Defence Force Mohammad Ab Rahman, have also made public statements denouncing the incident and emphasizing a commitment to transparency. On October 31, Chief Ab Rahman told Bernama, the Malaysian national news agency, that the MAF would undertake a comprehensive investigation to determine the specifics of the case and ensure justice. He pledged that those responsible would not be shielded from accountability, a sentiment that resonated with many Malaysians who believe previous incidents may have been downplayed.
The MAF, however, is not new to scrutiny over cases of alleged abuse and bullying. The Zulfarhan Osman case was a tipping point that brought significant pressure on the MAF and UPNM to address internal practices. Despite this, observers argue that the persistence of such incidents suggests systemic issues that require deeper intervention. The recent case has once again underscored a pattern of violent behavior at UPNM, with social media amplifying public frustration over an institution many believe should embody discipline and integrity.
In his speech, Anwar highlighted the systemic nature of bullying in Malaysia, characterizing it as a deeply ingrained challenge that spans diverse educational settings, including public, private, and religious institutions. He argued that the bullying epidemic is a product of cultural attitudes that either excuse or fail to recognize the severity of such behavior. “It’s a small group that does not represent all students, but the culture allows it,” he noted, pointing to a prevailing attitude that minimizes or justifies bullying.
The Prime Minister’s stance aligns with a broader call for cultural and institutional reforms aimed at addressing abuse in educational settings. Experts have suggested that a lack of comprehensive anti-bullying policies, combined with inadequate enforcement of existing rules, has allowed a harmful culture to persist. Anwar’s directive to the Ministry of Education is seen as a step toward creating a safer environment for students nationwide, though it remains to be seen how effectively these efforts will be implemented.
Public reaction to the recent allegations has been swift and intense. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts criticizing UPNM and the government’s response to previous cases. Many Malaysians argue that if the university had taken adequate action following the Zulfarhan Osman case, the current incident would not have occurred.
Mr. Zulkarnain Idros, Zulfarhan’s father, expressed his heartbreak upon learning about the new allegations, describing them as a painful reminder of the suffering his son endured. Speaking to local media outlet Harian Metro, he stated, “The claim that the victim was pressed with an iron … is unacceptable … like what happened to my late son who had 90 marks from being pressed with a hot steam iron, I still can’t forget the suffering he endured.”
The parallel between the two cases has struck a nerve with the Malaysian public, amplifying calls for significant changes within UPNM and similar institutions. Many citizens see the issue as symptomatic of a broader cultural problem, where dehumanizing practices are allowed to thrive under the guise of discipline and hierarchy.
