Aliran explores link between power-hungry politicians and violence

Reform movement Aliran has welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s zero-tolerance stand with regard to the latest case of alleged bullying at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM).

On the same note, it explored the wider context which enables these heinous acts.

“Perpetrators of violence could be drawing inspiration from power-hungry politicians who use the sheer might of the majority to target minority communities in the quest for power and position.

“Perpetrators could also get ideas from the way draconian laws are used to silence critics. Such repression is a form of institutional violence that normalises heavy-handed behaviour in society,” said its executive committee.

Citing the assault on deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong, Aliran said when the authorities fail to hold violent offenders accountable, it signals that such actions might go unpunished.

“This is unjust and immoral. A moral, ethical and compassionate society must not tolerate or condone violence in any form,” it added.

Aliran stressed that all forms of violent oppression or systemic abuse - from physical assault to cyberbullying - cannot be tolerated and the authorities must take decisive action.

However, it pointed out that such abuse and violence appeared to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including refugees, migrant workers and the stateless.

Both the police and armed forces are investigating the incident at UNPM where a second-year cadet officer was allegedly bullied and abused by a senior cadet using a heated iron, which reportedly left burn marks on his chest.

‘Madness’

Anwar had described this as “madness”, stating there is no value in leadership and capability without values, manners, and ethics.

“Thuggish behaviour, bullying, and gangsterism occurring in the education system - whether in Chinese schools, Tamil schools, tahfiz schools, or religious schools - is madness because we are discussing knowledge, yet there is a lack of morals and values.

“This is a challenge in our education programme. Values and morals must be prioritised. Our weakness is that we take a passive stance, being tolerant towards bullying, but this cannot happen if the culture rejects it,” he added.

According to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, a police report on the incident stated that it occurred at a UPNM dormitory room at 11.45pm on Oct 22.

He said the fourth-year senior cadet had asked the victim to iron his clothes.

“Suddenly, the 22-year-old suspect took the iron from the victim and put it on the victim’s chest,” he added.

Seven years ago, UPNM navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, 21, died from abuse involving the use of a hot iron as well.

Following the incident, six former UPNM students were convicted for Zulfarhan’s murder and given the death sentence.

Suspect in UPNM bullying case quizzed, police to interview witnesses

'Madness': PM wants stronger action against bullying in education system

Anwar heads to UPNM tomorrow amid latest abuse scandal

Another UPNM military cadet abused using scalding iron

Minister confident no more bullying at defence university