Who bears responsibility for the repeated bullying incidents at UPNM?

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Responsibility for UPNM Bullying Incidents Lies with University Leadership and the Defence Ministry

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has stated that UPNM commanders and officers must be held accountable for the university's persistent culture of bullying and abuse, urging their resignation if they fail in their duties. He also called upon the Defence Ministry to prioritize action regarding recent and past incidents. This stance comes in light of multiple severe bullying cases, including one resulting in fractured ribs and a spinal injury, and the tragic death of cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain in 2017, for which six UPNM trainees were convicted of murder.
UPNM Commanders and Officers Must Resign for Duty Failures

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has explicitly stated that the commanders and officers of the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) must be held accountable for the institution's failure to eradicate bullying. He believes these leaders should resign if they cannot fulfill their responsibility to prevent abuse, noting that parents send their children to UPNM to become military officers, not to be subjected to mistreatment. This assertion highlights a direct line of responsibility to the university's leadership for the ongoing issues.
Defence Ministry Urged to Prioritize Action on Bullying Cases

Sultan Ibrahim has called on the Defence Ministry to take immediate and prioritized action concerning the bullying incidents at UPNM. Specifically, he urged the ministry to address a recent case where a cadet trainee sustained fractured ribs and a spinal injury after being stomped on by a senior student. This highlights the expectation that the ministry should intervene and ensure proper investigation and resolution of such assaults, particularly given the severity of the injuries.
University Criticized for Inaction Despite Legal Proceedings

The university itself has been criticized for its failure to take serious action against bullying, even when previous abuse cases have been brought to court. Sultan Ibrahim pointed out this lack of decisive measures, suggesting that the university's response has been insufficient to deter or eliminate the abusive practices. This implies a systemic issue within UPNM's approach to discipline and student welfare that has allowed such incidents to recur.
Historical Precedent of Severe Abuse and Fatalities

The repeated nature of bullying at UPNM is underscored by the fact that the recent incident is the third reported case of bullying-related assaults in seven years. These incidents have tragically included severe injuries and even death. The most prominent example is the 2017 death of cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, who was tortured and burned with a hot iron, leading to the conviction of six UPNM trainees. Another past case involved a senior allegedly pressing a hot iron onto a junior’s chest, illustrating a pattern of extreme violence.

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Who bears responsibility for the repeated bullying incidents at UPNM?

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