KUALA LUMPUR: A man involved in the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet bullying case will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur court on Friday (Nov 8).
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the suspect would be charged at 8am under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
Police have recorded the statements of 16 people including the victim, the suspect, other cadets as well as UPNM personnel during the investigation.
On Wednesday (Nov 6), Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Armed Forces' Investigation Board looking into the bullying of a Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet would conclude its findings on Friday.
"We will decide on further action to be taken once the board submit its findings and recommendations," he said.
The police investigation commenced following a police report lodged by the 20-year-old victim at about 8.23pm on Friday (Nov 1).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said 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.
On Nov 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said bullying would 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 to stop the bullying culture.
"That is a police matter (on recent bullying cases). This is a general advice that can happen at tahfiz school, 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.
