Investigation paper on alleged abuse at UPNM sent to AGC

The investigation paper on the alleged abuse of a Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet officer was sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers this evening.

“We have sent the investigation paper to the Attorney General’s Chambers and are awaiting further instructions,” Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa told reporters after a sexual crimes and online scam awareness programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

The investigation was still carried out even though the police had yet to receive the medical report, he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

On Oct 31, an abuse incident at the university was reported in which a cadet allegedly sustained burn injuries to his chest after a senior student pressed a hot iron against him.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the university the following day and instructed the Higher Education and Education ministries to take a stronger stance against bullying.

This case is particularly unsettling in light of a similar tragedy seven years ago when UPNM cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain died after suffering extensive injuries from 90 incidents of scalding.

Six former UPNM students were then convicted of murder and sentenced to death this July.

When asked why the suspect in this recent case was not remanded yet, Rusdi said various factors must be considered first and that not all cases automatically require such an action.

“In this case, we have already secured the weapon, identified the suspect, and collected statements from the victim and witnesses.

“Therefore, there was no need for remand at this stage,” he said.

Additionally, this was the first time the victim had been bullied, he added.

So far, the police have recorded statements from 16 people, including a suspect.

They also seized an iron that was believed to have been used as a tool for the abuse.

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