SHAH ALAM - The case involving a cadet officer at the Military Training Academy (ALK), National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), Sungai Besi, who was believed to have been a victim of bullying and abuse using an iron, needs to be investigated externally.
Zulkarnain Idros, father of the late UPNM Naval Cadet Officer Zulfarhan Osman said that the case would not show any progress if it were handled internally.
"In my opinion, this issue will go nowhere. If it's managed at that level, at worst, the management will just take action to expel the student involved.
"If this is not taken to an external level, this issue will become like a smouldering fire. It means the issue is being kept quiet, but suddenly, it could escalate, just like what happened with my son.
"In the end, this bullying case could lead to someone's death,” he told Sinar Harian on Wednesday.
On June 1, 2017, the country was shocked by the tragic death of UPNM Naval Cadet Officer, Allahyarham Zulfarhan Osman, who died as a result of being bullied, beaten, and tortured after almost his entire body was repeatedly pressed with a steam iron.
Most recently, another case of bullying involving an iron occurred at the same university.
Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) confirmed on Tuesday that they are investigating an incident involving a cadet officer at ALK, UPNM, Sungai Besi, who is believed to have been abused by a senior student.
ATM also confirmed that the incident involved a cadet student who was bullied by a senior using an iron pressed against his chest, leaving burn marks as widely shared on social media.
Zulkarnain stated that the government also needs to urgently establish an anti-bullying law to address cases of abuse occurring among students in institutions.
"Previously, we had a child protection act, but there is still no anti-bullying law. I think this act would be one of the best steps to take,” he said.
Commenting on the bullying incident involving the use of an iron, Zulkarnain expressed shock and disappointment upon learning that such acts are still being committed, similar to the case of his son.
"I was truly affected when I saw the news; I thought this issue (bullying with an iron) no longer happened, but it seems it still does. It is indeed horrifying,” he said.