Authorities in Malaysia are investigating a new bullying allegation at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) in Kuala Lumpur, where a 19-year-old cadet reportedly suffered severe injuries after being assaulted by a senior. This recent case has reignited public outrage and scrutiny over persistent bullying issues at the military university, which has been previously linked to violent hazing incidents.
According to police, the cadet was stomped on by a third-year student, causing multiple fractures in his ribs and spine. A report filed on November 8 led to an investigation by Kuala Lumpur police, with statements recorded from nine individuals, including the injured cadet and witnesses. “We will be recording the statement of the suspect and a senior cadet at the university at Cheras police headquarters today,” said Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa, confirming that the investigation falls under Section 325 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes causing grievous harm. If convicted, the senior cadet could face a jail term of up to seven years or a fine.
The assault reportedly took place on October 21, around 10:45 p.m., following a roll call held at a field within the university. The victim, a first-year student, was hospitalized with fractures that police say resulted from the brutal stomping attack. Police sources disclosed that initial findings point to a pattern of senior cadets enforcing a “power hierarchy” over their juniors, with this incident being the latest in a string of alleged abuses.
In a media statement on Sunday, Rusdi stated, “The victim is currently being treated at a hospital for his injuries,” further confirming the serious nature of the assault. Following the incident, police launched an extensive probe, interviewing university staff, fellow cadets, and witnesses. Statements from these individuals are central to piecing together the circumstances that led to the alleged attack, while the suspect and key cadets connected to the incident are scheduled for additional questioning.
The Ministry of Defence, overseeing UPNM, has voiced strong condemnation of the incident and promised full cooperation with law enforcement. Defence Minister Khaled Nordin released a statement on social media, saying, “I have been informed regarding the viral media report involving a trainee at UPNM who sustained injuries … Following the police report that was filed, the ministry has referred the matter to the police for investigations.” Khaled further stressed that such incidents are detrimental to the institution’s reputation and that measures will be enacted to prevent similar occurrences.
UPNM, as Malaysia’s premier military academy, plays an essential role in producing future leaders for the nation’s defense sector. However, repeated instances of bullying raise questions about the institution’s disciplinary policies and cadet welfare. The Defence Ministry has been in the spotlight for alleged lapses in oversight, especially considering recent efforts to improve regulations aimed at reducing violence and intimidation within the campus. The ministry’s response to this case suggests a renewed focus on cadet safety and enforcing stricter anti-bullying measures.
This case follows a string of prior bullying incidents at UPNM. Last Friday, Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan, a 22-year-old cadet officer, pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting his junior with a steam iron. Amirul, who faces charges under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing harm, could receive up to ten years in prison if convicted.
The most widely publicized case occurred in July 2024, when six former UPNM students were sentenced to death for the murder of 21-year-old navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain. Zulfarhan’s death made national headlines as details emerged of extreme hazing, with reports of his attackers pressing a hot steam iron onto his body repeatedly and subjecting him to brutal beatings. The murder sparked outrage across Malaysia, calling attention to the university’s troubled record with student violence. These incidents have prompted a societal reckoning with campus bullying and hazing, particularly in military academies.
The latest allegations have quickly gained traction on social media, with public sentiment overwhelmingly critical of UPNM and the wider culture of hazing within the military institution. On X (formerly Twitter), one user referred to the university as the “National Bullying University of Malaysia,” reflecting growing frustration with recurring bullying cases at the institution. Another user questioned, “Do the students of UPNM get points for bullying other students? Why do they seem to be competing to bully others?” These sentiments, echoing throughout social platforms, reveal a heightened disillusionment with UPNM’s ability to foster a safe and disciplined environment.
These social media reactions are not new but have intensified given the repeated and escalating nature of these incidents. Many netizens have also drawn connections between the institution’s core mission to develop national protectors and the reality of abuse within its walls, questioning how such incidents persist at a university responsible for shaping Malaysia’s future military officers.
In response to increasing incidents of bullying and violence, the Malaysian government has introduced several preventive measures aimed at reforming the culture within military institutions. Speaking at UPNM on November 1, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a strong condemnation of bullying, stating that his government would not tolerate such behavior in any educational institution. Anwar emphasized the need for education leaders to take responsibility for the pervasive bullying culture, which he acknowledged as systemic. He urged military academies and other universities to strengthen policies against intimidation and violence.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari also announced reforms aimed at preventing further incidents. According to Zahari, the ministry plans to increase the number of wardens overseeing cadets at UPNM, with the aim of ensuring closer monitoring of student interactions and reducing unsanctioned activities that may lead to violence. These changes are part of a broader initiative to improve campus security and enforce strict disciplinary measures against bullying.
However, critics argue that these efforts may fall short without a significant cultural shift within the institution. Calls for a comprehensive reform of UPNM’s policies and student management practices are growing, with some suggesting that harsher penalties, transparency in investigations, and psychological support services for cadets are essential to effectively curb bullying.
The recurring allegations of bullying within UPNM underscore deep-rooted challenges facing Malaysia’s military education system. As the primary military academy, UPNM is tasked with preparing cadets to lead and serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces, making it imperative for the institution to exemplify discipline, respect, and responsibility. However, continuous reports of violence among cadets highlight a breakdown in adherence to these values.
Efforts to reform the military university’s practices are underway, but achieving substantial progress may require a multifaceted approach.
- Strengthening Institutional Oversight: Increasing the number of wardens and supervisors to monitor cadet behavior more effectively.
- Implementing a Zero-Tolerance Policy: Enforcing clear policies that outline severe penalties for any form of bullying or hazing.
- Improving Mental Health Resources: Establishing mental health and counseling services to help cadets cope with academic and social pressures without resorting to aggression.
- Mandatory Anti-Bullying Training: Incorporating training programs focused on respect, empathy, and camaraderie to foster a supportive campus environment.
- Regular Audits and Transparency: Conducting independent audits on disciplinary actions and ensuring transparency in investigations to rebuild public trust.
The Defence Ministry’s commitment to addressing the bullying culture within UPNM is a positive step, yet sustained vigilance and robust policy enforcement are essential. As calls for reform continue to grow, the government and UPNM leadership face a critical test in ensuring that Malaysia’s future military leaders are shaped by an environment of mutual respect and professional conduct.
In the midst of public reactions, Kuala Lumpur police have issued a warning to the public, advising against speculation on the latest bullying allegations. Authorities have urged individuals to wait until investigations are concluded to prevent the spread of misinformation and undue distress among cadets’ families and the public.
As investigations continue, this latest incident adds to the growing pressure on UPNM to reform and address the harmful culture of hazing and bullying that has marred its reputation. The unfolding situation has put Malaysia’s military educational framework under a spotlight, prompting questions about the efficacy of institutional policies in protecting young cadets from abuse.
The case of the injured 19-year-old cadet at UPNM serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for systemic change. Both the public and policymakers are closely watching how the university, with the Defence Ministry’s oversight, addresses this incident as an opportunity to reinforce the values of leadership and integrity that should define the country’s premier military academy.
