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UiTM cadet dies after allegedly 'ridden like a horse', getting heatstroke in training
A UiTM Reserve Officer Training Unit (Rotu) cadet, Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi, died on Nov 13, 2024, after enduring a gruelling, unscheduled training session that allegedly involved physical abuse.
Amir’s father Muhammad Zaidi Abdul Rahman claimed in a police report that the cadet had been subjected to various forms of physical abuse, including being stepped on the chest, forced to perform horse-like movements with a trainer riding on his back, and ordered to jump like a kangaroo.
A UiTM Reserve Officer Training Unit (Rotu) cadet died on Nov 13 after allegedly enduring a gruelling, unscheduled training session that involved physical abuse.
Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi was purportedly stepped on the chest, forced to perform horse-like movements with a trainer riding on his back, and ordered to jump like a kangaroo, according to a report his father, Muhammad Zaidi Abdul Rahman, lodged with the police.
These activities on Nov 10 were allegedly captured on video by the trainer.
The 25-year-old cadet allegedly collapsed following the training and was in a coma until his death.
The victim’s family lawyer Nurul Diyana Bashir told Malaysiakini that Amir’s death was caused by a heatstroke.
Zaidi claimed that after Amir’s funeral, at least four witnesses, believed to be senior cadets, approached Zaidi and his wife to inform them that their son was allegedly left unattended in the sun for about 30 minutes before being taken to the hospital.
“Only then did the trainer take action to bring my son to the hospital in his own car.
“The trainer did not call an ambulance or take my son to the UiTM medical centre, which was much closer,” Zaidi claimed in the report.
The cadet’s father also alleged that his family and the university were not informed of Amir’s condition until it was too late and that the trainer even called to ask the cadet to show up in class the next day.
“Around 9am on Nov 11, the trainer called us to ask my son to attend class that morning. If not, he would be considered absent.
“Worried, we asked the trainer if the university had been informed about my son’s condition, and he admitted that he had not,” Zaidi claimed, adding that the trainer only allegedly informed the university after being reprimanded.
Amir’s family and their lawyer believed that the trainer’s alleged negligence and harsh treatment contributed to his death and called for a thorough investigation.
Cops investigating
Shah Alam district police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed to Malaysiakini that they are investigating the case as a sudden death.
UiTM Rotu deputy commandant Ariff Md Ab Malik also called for the armed forces to investigate before any disciplinary action is taken against the officer involved.
“I have urged the military to conduct a thorough investigation. So, in terms of action, what we mean by a comprehensive decision is from A to Z.
“For example, starting from the recruitment of candidates themselves, are they fit to join? In terms of training management, is it following the procedure? So, it’s comprehensive,” he said.
READ MORE: Five UPNM military cadets expelled, fined RM189k for being bullies
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All Malay institutions have a "ragging" period also called orientation period. It usually lasts 10 days. It is a week of foul language, vulgarity and physical abuse that makes the seniors sound like thugs. The purpose is apparently to break down barriers between the freshies and the seniors. "Ragging" is adopted from the practice in British public schools and is even practiced in the Malay College. LKY banned ragging when he became PM. Those who did not comply were sacked. Malaysia should follow Singapore. Ban ragging, ban "orientation week", ban all attempts to ape English "senior gentlemen".