Student expelled over deadly bullying

KUALA LUMPUR: A Royal Military College (RMC) student was expelled while four were others suspended in connection with the death of another student, Mohammed Naim Mustaqim Mohamad Sobri, 16, after allegedly being bullied.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi said the decision to remove the student with immediate effect was made after investigations showed he allegedly carried out the bullying with intention since the beginning of the year.

“A civil suit will be filed as well. He will be facing action from the military, us (the ministry) and the police.

“Four others are suspended pending police investigations into the case,” he told reporters after handing over certificates to Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2010 employees here today.

He said the ministry took a serious view of bullying in military schools and action should be taken to curb such incidents.

Meanwhile, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Abdullah, who is also RMC chairman, said the ministry would submit its investigation papers to the police.

He said the college had taken action against students who violated its rules such as bullying by segregating or removing them.

There will be strict surveillance with wardens required to make night rounds at hostels to prevent a recurrence, he added.

Last Wednesday, Mohammad Naim Mustaqim was found unconscious and rushed to the Armed Forces Medical Centre at the Sungai Besi Camp but was confirmed dead soon after arrival.

On 25 June, five RMC students were arrested to assist police investigations into the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries a mandatory death sentence. — Bernama