UTM cadet death: Lawyer asks why officers not charged with murder
Farah Solhi
Published: Feb 27, 2026 4:59 PM
Updated: 8:09 PM
Senior lawyer Naran Singh, who represents deceased Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin’s family, questioned the attorney-general’s decision not to proffer murder charges against suspects identified in the case.
Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the police have received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to prosecute three military officers under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide.
Naran told Malaysiakini that the proposed charges were mindboggling, given that the AGC had last year ordered the case be investigated under Section 302 for murder.
The lawyer added that it was disappointing to learn of the charges at midnight.
“We were informed of the charges at 12 midnight last night. Is this the proper time to inform?
Published: Feb 27, 2026 4:59 PM
Updated: 8:09 PM
Senior lawyer Naran Singh, who represents deceased Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin’s family, questioned the attorney-general’s decision not to proffer murder charges against suspects identified in the case.
Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the police have received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to prosecute three military officers under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide.
Naran told Malaysiakini that the proposed charges were mindboggling, given that the AGC had last year ordered the case be investigated under Section 302 for murder.
The lawyer added that it was disappointing to learn of the charges at midnight.
“We were informed of the charges at 12 midnight last night. Is this the proper time to inform?
Syamsul Haris Shamsudin
“Did this mean the prosecuting officer had also learned of the charges at midnight? I believe not, the decision must have been made much earlier.
“It is very disappointing. The family and I, too, are very disappointed with this. We were wondering why the charges were framed under Section 304(a) and not Section 302 for murder.
“The AG has said, on Dec 2 last year, that the case is investigated for murder. Why did he change his mind? The AG must answer. He must explain why he charged them under Section 304(a),” he said.
Officers claim trial
Earlier today, three Reserve Officer Training Unit (Rotu) instructors, namely Azmi Abu Bakar, Norbuang Ghani and Bahaudin Abd Rashid, were jointly charged with committing an act with the intention to cause injury that likely led to the deceased’s death.
The military officers were accused of committing the act on July 28 last year at the Ulu Tiram Utara Firing Range in Johor.
They were charged this morning at the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court, Johor, under Section 304(a), which provides a maximum 30 years’ jail and a fine if convicted.
“Did this mean the prosecuting officer had also learned of the charges at midnight? I believe not, the decision must have been made much earlier.
“It is very disappointing. The family and I, too, are very disappointed with this. We were wondering why the charges were framed under Section 304(a) and not Section 302 for murder.
“The AG has said, on Dec 2 last year, that the case is investigated for murder. Why did he change his mind? The AG must answer. He must explain why he charged them under Section 304(a),” he said.
Officers claim trial
Earlier today, three Reserve Officer Training Unit (Rotu) instructors, namely Azmi Abu Bakar, Norbuang Ghani and Bahaudin Abd Rashid, were jointly charged with committing an act with the intention to cause injury that likely led to the deceased’s death.
The military officers were accused of committing the act on July 28 last year at the Ulu Tiram Utara Firing Range in Johor.
They were charged this morning at the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court, Johor, under Section 304(a), which provides a maximum 30 years’ jail and a fine if convicted.
The officers all pleaded not guilty, and the court allowed RM20,000 bail.
‘Danger to cadets’
Naran further said that a murder charge would mean that the three officers would not be allowed to roam free, pending the disposal of their case, as it is a non-bailable offence.
“Syamsul’s cause of death has been determined; it was because of a severe neck injury. These officers should be charged under Section 302. They should not be let out pending the disposal of their case.
“I understand the AG’s power to prosecute, but please, don’t do this. Charges under Section 304 are still bailable, but they are a danger to the future trainees and the students. Look at what happened to Syamsul; it could happen to anyone.
“These officers should remain under remand, not be allowed out on bail.
“I also hope that the AG would consider applying for this case to be transferred to the High Court, given that it is a public interest case,” he said.
‘Danger to cadets’
Naran further said that a murder charge would mean that the three officers would not be allowed to roam free, pending the disposal of their case, as it is a non-bailable offence.
“Syamsul’s cause of death has been determined; it was because of a severe neck injury. These officers should be charged under Section 302. They should not be let out pending the disposal of their case.
“I understand the AG’s power to prosecute, but please, don’t do this. Charges under Section 304 are still bailable, but they are a danger to the future trainees and the students. Look at what happened to Syamsul; it could happen to anyone.
“These officers should remain under remand, not be allowed out on bail.
“I also hope that the AG would consider applying for this case to be transferred to the High Court, given that it is a public interest case,” he said.
Naran, on Nov 28 last year, said the second post-mortem conducted on Syamsul confirmed a traumatic neck injury as his cause of death.
Syamsul, 22, passed away during a Rotu training exercise. His mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, said she was informed of her son’s death on July 28.
On Aug 1, Ummu told a press conference that she had suspected foul play after seeing bruises and bloodied eyes on Syamsul’s body before he was buried.
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