Tuesday, November 12, 2024

MP calls for overhaul of UPNM management following bullying cases

FMT:


MP calls for overhaul of

UPNM management

following bullying cases

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Ketereh MP Khlir Nor says the rising number of cases reflects a failure by the university to effectively oversee student affairs.

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Khlir Nor, a former chief of intelligence in the Malaysian Armed Forces, said educational institutions should have proper mechanisms to handle bullying. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA
An MP has called for an overhaul of the National Defence University’s (UPNM) management to address the issue of bullying among students.

Ketereh MP Khlir Nor said the rising number of reported bullying cases reflects a failure by the university’s management to effectively oversee student affairs.

“If the same incidents keep happening repeatedly, the real problem might lie within the management itself.

“In the military, whether in education institutions or academies, there is often an ingrained culture of bullying, but what we’re seeing now has escalated to a critical level, even costing lives.

“If the goal is to foster camaraderie, this isn’t the way. There are far better methods to achieve that. From what I see, this is a failure on the part of the administration,” Khlir, a former chief of intelligence in the Malaysian Armed Forces, was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying.

Yesterday, it was reported that police recorded statements from nine people in their investigation into the latest alleged assault of a cadet at UPNM, who is said to have suffered cracks on his ribs and spine after being stomped on by a senior.

Last Friday, UPNM student Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan, 22, claimed trial to assaulting a junior, Salman Saiful Surash, 20, by placing a hot iron on his chest at the university’s hostel on Oct 22.

The victim suffered second-degree burns on his chest.

Free Malaysia Today
Khlir Nor.

Khlir, a Bersatu MP, said educational institutions should have proper mechanisms to handle bullying.

“To prevent this from recurring, UPNM’s management needs a significant overhaul, starting with the appointment of dormitory wardens.

“I suggest appointing wardens from among armed forces veterans, as they have substantial experience in this area.

“There are many retired soldiers aged between 40 and 50 without a second career. Appointing them as wardens would also provide them with an opportunity to support their families,” he said.

Khlir also suggested initiatives such as deploying monitors to discreetly observe and report any bullying cases.

“New students are often intimidated by seniors and may refrain from reporting incidents for fear of retaliation.

“So, wardens and management must be proactive in finding solutions to this problem. If similar incidents continue, then not only should the students involved be expelled, but the management should also be held accountable,” he said.

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