KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-created Armed Forces Anti-Bullying Task Force will ensure the military’s working and training environment remains safe and professional, says Armed Forces chief Jeneral Datuk Seri Malek Razak Sulaiman.
He added that the task force, which was announced recently, is aimed at strengthening professionalism, discipline and integrity within the military.
“The formation of the task force is a manifestation of the leadership’s commitment to prevent any form of bullying or abuse within the organisation,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He said the task force would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current situation and trends involving bullying cases in the armed forces.
He added it would also identify systemic weaknesses and gaps in implementation, as well as assess the effectiveness of existing policies, legislation and standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Based on the findings, the task force will propose more strategic, integrated and practical improvements to be implemented across all branches of the armed forces.”
He acknowledged that there had been several serious incidents involving bullying, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
The task force will be headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of the Armed Forces and will comprise representatives from various divisions and services, including the Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, legal and counselling divisions, as well as psychiatric experts from the Armed Forces Hospital.
Jen Malek Razak said the inter-service approach is important as bullying is not merely a disciplinary issue, but also involves leadership, organisational culture, mental wellbeing, training and welfare aspects.
He said the study and development of the action plan would be carried out from May to July this year before being presented to the top leadership of the Armed Forces.
Among the key areas of focus in the strategic action plan are strengthening anti-bullying policies and SOP, improving reporting and monitoring systems, establishing rapid response and victim protection mechanisms, enhancing anti-bullying education and awareness, as well as psychosocial intervention and counselling.
“The main objective is to ensure that prevention, enforcement and monitoring efforts are implemented consistently, comprehensively and effectively at all levels of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Jen Malek Razak added that the implementation of strict standards in the military should never be misconstrued as a licence for abuse, humiliation or misuse of power.
“It is our commitment that every armed forces member should be able to serve in a safe, dignified and conducive environment,” he added.
