Suspect in UPNM bullying case quizzed, police to interview witnesses

Police have recorded the statements of two Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia (UPNM) cadets, including a senior-year student who had allegedly abused the other using a scalding iron.

A Kuala Lumpur police spokesperson told reporters that the 22-year-old suspect was questioned this morning following a report lodged by the victim last night.

The senior, who is also the victim’s roommate, was not detained.

Police are also expected to record the statements of several other senior UPNM students said to have witnessed the incident.

Earlier today, Bernama quoted the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain saying that an investigation has been launched into the incident under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing hurt using a weapon.

According to Razarudin, the victim had told police that the incident happened on the evening of Oct 22 in the UPNM dormitory room.

“The incident is said to have happened at 11.45pm on Oct 22 in the UPNM dormitory room after a senior student, 22, who is also a fourth-year cadet officer, asked the victim to iron his shirt, and while the victim was ironing the shirt, (claimed) the senior student snatched the iron from him and pressed it on his (victim’s) chest,” he reportedly said.

Razarudin said the incident had occurred in the presence of several other senior cadets.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his government will not tolerate a bullying culture in educational institutions.

He instructed the Higher Education and Education Ministries to take a stronger stance against gangsterism, bullying, and thuggish behaviour in educational institutions under their jurisdictions.

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