Cadet Deaths and Bullying in UPNM & ROTU Programmes: Investigations and Immediate Reforms Needed
The recurring issues of bullying, misconduct, and even deaths in military cadet and Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU) programmes highlight that gradual preventive measures are inadequate. MCA calls for a comprehensive overhaul to address these failings. It is essential to tackle not only the behaviour of cadets but also the accountability of supervisory bodies. A dedicated investigation unit must be deployed urgently to review all military cadets and ROTU programmes across institutions such as UPNM, UiTM and other tertiary institutions offering ROTU training. Current cadets should be assessed for ongoing cases of bullying or misconduct to ensure no other students are silently enduring harm while reports of bullying cases continue to flood our news outlets. A whistleblower hotline with full confidentiality is also recommended.
Early this month, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has announced measures to curb bullying, including separate accommodations and roll calls for first-year and senior cadets. While some policy changes may require time, interim measures should be implemented immediately. These include mandatory oversight, such as ensuring the presence of at least two supervising officers at all training activities, and stationing officers at campuses with active programmes to monitor cadet welfare and enforce safety protocols. Such steps could help prevent cases like the notorious UPNM steam iron bullying incident.
Furthermore, the recent death of UiTM cadet Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi requires a thorough investigation. While an initial report that was released today suggests heat stroke as the cause of death, the victim’s father’s claims of bullying cannot be ignored. He has repeatedly emphasised the suffering his son has gone through, which included being stepped on, ‘ridden’ like a horse by his trainer, and also leaving him unattended for a long period of time under the hot son.
Authorities must go beyond the medical findings to scrutinise the training environment, cadet interactions, and the role of instructors. Any negligence in handling the incident must be uncovered. Both the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Higher Education must reassure the public that this investigation will be exhaustive and transparent.
To prevent further incidents, strict warnings must be issued to all military cadets and ROTU participants and staff. Supervisory bodies overseeing these programmes must also be held accountable for any lapses in cadet safety. Clear consequences, such as the expulsion and financial penalties that were ordered to the 5 UPNM cadets in the bullying case against victim Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, should apply universally to anyone found guilty of bullying or misconduct, regardless of rank. Meanwhile, police investigations need to be launched and arrests and court charges too, if warranted. The government owes it to the families of affected cadets to deliver justice and ensure no others face a similar fate.
The persistence of bullying and misconduct in military cadet and ROTU programmes is unacceptable. Decisive and immediate action is needed to protect cadets and restore public confidence in these initiatives.
Saw Yee Fung
MCA Youth Secretary General
28 Nov 2024
-MCA Comm-
