Recently, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) is facing growing criticism amid a series of troubling bullying cases.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has urged the commanders and commanders-in-chief at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) to resign if they fail to address the abuse cases that have occurred at the institution.
Sultan Ibrahim’s Call for Responsibility
His Majesty expressed deep sorrow over the abuse incidents that led to injuries and deaths at UPNM.
According to FMT, he called for an end to this unhealthy culture to restore the reputation of the university.
Sultan Ibrahim acknowledged that rigorous physical and mental training is necessary to produce military officers, but emphasised that it should never result in harm or loss of life.
Agong’s Concern Over Continued Abuse
“What is most disheartening for me is that the abuse continues as if no serious efforts have been taken by any party, despite previous cases being brought to court,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
The Agong further stated that the main philosophy of UPNM is to be a leading university in the region in defence, military, and security studies, where discipline and military culture are key.
He stated that if the abuse persists, he would no longer want his name associated with the university.
“If abuse continues, I do not want my name to be associated with this university any longer. The commanders and commanders-in-chief must also be held responsible and resign for failing to uphold their duties,” Sultan Ibrahim decreed.
Recent Cases of Abuse at UPNM
This statement was made during the 14th Convocation Ceremony of UPNM at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), which was shared via His Majesty’s Facebook page.
On 27 November, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin announced that five cadet officers from the UPNM Military Training Academy were dismissed and ordered to pay compensation for their involvement in three abuse cases.
The First Abuse Case: Ironing Incident
The first case involved Amirul Iskandar Ahmad Norhanizan, who pressed an iron onto Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash during a routine body check on 28 October. Amirul’s appointment as a cadet officer was revoked, and he was ordered to pay RM44,600 in compensation.
The Second Abuse Case: Multiple Perpetrators
The second case involved three cadets— Izzat Izuddin Mohammad Arif, Muhammad Hidayat Haqimi Mohd Yuslan, and Ku Muhammad Irfan Ku Zaimi— who were involved in the abuse of Alief Ahsreihan Ahslemy.
All three had their cadet officer appointments revoked, their military service terminated, and were ordered to pay compensation to the government. The compensation amounts were RM48,452.75, RM19,481.70, and RM44,600.20, respectively.
The Third Abuse Case: Physical Injury
The third case involved physical abuse by Ammar Hafiy Muhammad Habib against Yeong Kian Rui, which resulted in a soft tissue injury. Ammar’s appointment was revoked, his military service terminated, and he was ordered to pay RM32,115.95 in compensation.
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