Hishammuddin orders probe into navy cadet's death

- EPA

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has ordered the Armed Forces and the Malaysian National Defence University (UPNM) to investigate the death of navy cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain.  

“Very sad to hear about the death of navy cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain this morning, especially during the fasting period.  

"I cannot imagine the family of the deceased receiving this sad news. I pray they are given strength and perseverance by Allah on their loss.  

“I have ordered the Armed Forces and UPNM to find out the real cause of death and identify those involved. No one will be spared legal action if found guilty,” said Hishammuddin in a statement on Friday.  

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces said it viewed the matter seriously and will carry out an internal investigation into the incident.  

In a statement, it said it will take stern action against those involved, adding that police are investigating the incident.  

The statement said the Armed Forces is also assisting to bring the remains of Zulfarhan to his hometown in Johor Baru and to arrange his funeral.  

It also urged the public not to speculate on the matter and leave it to the authorities to investigate.  

Thirty-six university students have been arrested in connection with Zulfarhan's death.    

It is learnt that the final-year student was found with burn marks and bruises in a 25th floor apartment in Serdang at around 8pm on Thursday.  

It is believed that Zulfarhan was still alive when friends rushed him into an ambulance to be sent to hospital.  

However, Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm Fadzil Ahmat said the victim was pronounced dead at around 10pm at Hospital Serdang on Thursday.  

It is believed that Zulfarhan may have been a victim of bullying and was allegedly bound, beaten and burnt with an iron.  

SAC Fadzil, however, declined to confirm or deny the circumstances of Zulfarhan's death, saying only that it is an ongoing murder investigation.