SHAH ALAM: Surprise inspections or "spot checks" by the management could be more effective in addressing bullying incidents that occur at the Military Training Academy (MTA) of the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
Ketereh MP Major-General (R) Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor said that spot checks can be carried out by the management at any time within 24 hours as they have such access.
According to the former Army intelligence chief, this method is seen as better compared to roll calls as cadets are aware of the warden's attendance times.
"The roll call method is not suitable for these cadets because they are still trainees. Bullying incidents usually occur in rooms and if surprise checks are carried out regardless of time, bullying incidents can surely be avoided.
"In addition, if I were the commander, I would also appoint 'agents' among these cadets to be the eyes and ears to monitor the trainees' conditions at all times," he told Sinar Harian on Monday (Dec 9).
He made the comment in response to a statement by the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who reportedly mentioned that more frequent roll calls would be carried out to prevent bullying incidents at UPNM's MTA.
He also said the Defence Ministry would act firmly by implementing safety improvement measures and will not compromise with any party on the issue of bullying.
Further commenting, Khlir explained that surprise checks need to be carried out at times unknown to the cadets and this method needs to be given attention by the UPNM management.
"In the meantime, the management also needs to constantly talk to these cadets about the importance of fostering relationships among them.
"It needs to be stressed to both senior and junior cadets about the importance of team spirit and mutual respect for one another," he told Sinar Harian.
