SUBANG: The Armed Forces' Investigation Board will conclude its inquiry into the incident where a Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet was assaulted by a senior on Friday (Nov 8).
"We will decide on further action once the board submits its findings,” Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin told a press conference after attending the second off ceremony for the First batch of the Malaysian Battalion 850-12 (Malbatt 850-12) squad at Subang Air Force base on Wednesday (Nov 6).
The board consisted of senior Armed Forces officers and its investigation is separate from the police, he said.
"They will make their recommendations on actions to be taken based on existing guidelines," he said.
The police investigation commenced following a report lodged by the 20-year-old victim at about 8:23 p.m. on Friday (Nov 1).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said an investigation is being conducted under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
"The report indicated that the incident occurred at a UPNM dorm room at 11.45pm on Oct 22.
"The fourth-year senior had asked the victim to iron his clothing.
"Suddenly, the 22-year-old senior took the iron, which was held by the victim, before putting it on the victim's chest," he said.
The IGP said the victim was shocked and shouted after suffering from burns.
"During the incident, several seniors were also in the dorm room.
"We have recorded the complainant's statement at Cheras distinct police headquarters," he said.
The complainant was also asked to seek treatment at a hospital to verify the injuries he suffered, he said.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said bullying will not be tolerated at any university or educational institution in the country.
"It (bullying) happens because the culture is being tolerated. This would not happen if the culture is rejected," said the Prime Minister during the Temu Anwar programme at UPNM.
Anwar added that those in charge of academic institutions should be responsible for stopping bullying culture.
"That is a police matter (on recent bullying cases). This is general advice that can happen at Tahfiz schools, secondary schools, Chinese vernacular schools, and others – this must stop.
"This matter requires the involvement of headmasters, principals and vice-chancellors as well as college heads. They are responsible to end this heinous culture... or else the children will suffer," he said.
In a statement on Oct 30, the Armed Forces said it was investigating a case where a UPNM cadet was allegedly bullied and tortured by a senior.
A video of the incident went viral, showing a student pressing a hot iron against another's chest.
