Minister confident no more bullying at defence university

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin is confident that there will be no future bullying incidents like the one involving the late Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain at the National Defence University Malaysia (UPNM).

The minister noted that no similar incidents have been reported since the 2017 tragedy, suggesting that appropriate measures have been implemented.

“I believe that after that incident, these things have not happened again. So this means the university has likely taken appropriate actions,” he told reporters after attending the Gombak Umno division meeting.

Khaled also expressed confidence that the Higher Education Ministry would take necessary steps to prevent such incidents across all universities.

He clarified that while UPNM falls under the Higher Education Ministry’s jurisdiction, the Defence Ministry maintains a close relationship with the institution due to its location and shared vision.

“We are in constant communication with the university management to ensure such incidents don’t happen again,” Khaled added.

This statement comes in the wake of a recent Court of Appeal decision sentencing six former UPNM cadets to death for Zulfarhan’s (above) murder.

The court overturned previous 18-year jail sentences, reinstating charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

The convicted individuals, now 28 years old, are Muhammad Akmal Zuhairi Azmal, Muhammad Azamuddin Mad Sofi, Muhammad Najib Mohd Razi, Muhammad Afif Najmudin Azahat, Mohamad Shobirin Sabri, and Abdoul Hakeem Mohd Ali.

Constant vigilance

Commenting on fisherfolk’s worry about the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) constant presence in Miri waters, Khaled said the Defence Ministry is keeping a close eye on the matter.

Khaled emphasised that the Navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency maintain constant vigilance in national waters.

These patrols aim to distinguish between vessels merely passing through and those anchoring in Malaysian territory.

“We routinely monitor foreign vessel movements to determine if they’re simply transiting or stopping,” Khaled said.

He noted that international law permits free passage through the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea.

However, the minister stressed that any unauthorised anchoring by foreign vessels would be viewed as an infringement on Malaysian sovereignty.

His remarks came after Miri Fishing Club secretary Vincent Lo expressed concerns over fishing activities being “under surveillance” by the CCG.

This is especially the case around Luconia Shoals (known locally as Beting Patinggi Ali), which Malaysia deems to be part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coast of Sarawak but is regularly patrolled by the CCG.

In January, the Defence Ministry clarified that Beting Patinggi Ali belongs to Malaysia and the country has never recognised any claims from other parties since it is within Malaysia’s EEZ.

The ministry said, geographically, Beting Patinggi Ali is located 84 nautical miles (155km) from the coast of Miri (specifically in Tanjung Baram), Sarawak.

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