Illustration By @aminlandak

Bullying in Malaysian military academies, particularly at the prestigious National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), continues to tarnish the image of the nation’s armed forces. Despite promises of reform and stricter oversight, these institutions remain plagued by allegations of abuse and hazing, often with tragic outcomes.

Notable Incidents That Shook the Nation

The 2017 case of Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain remains one of the darkest chapters in Malaysia’s military training history. Zulfarhan, a naval cadet officer, suffered horrific torture at the hands of his peers over a missing laptop. The 21-year-old endured severe burns inflicted by a steam iron, leading to his untimely death. After years of judicial proceedings, six UPNM cadets were sentenced to death in 2024, and 12 others faced imprisonment for causing grievous harm.

Fast forward to 2024, and yet another chilling case emerged. A first-year UPNM student was hospitalized with multiple fractured ribs and a damaged spine after allegedly being assaulted by senior cadets. Such incidents point to a persistent culture of violence and unchecked seniority within these institutions, despite the national outrage sparked by Zulfarhan’s case.

Understanding the Problem

Military academies are built on discipline, hierarchy, and camaraderie. However, the rigid structure of these institutions sometimes breeds an environment where power is abused, and hazing rituals are normalized. Senior cadets, granted positions of authority, have occasionally exploited their roles, resulting in violence disguised as “training” or “character building.”

While exact figures remain elusive, recurring reports and testimonies suggest that bullying is not an isolated problem. The prevalence of these incidents has led to growing concerns about systemic issues within Malaysia’s military training programs.

Responses and Reforms

In the wake of these tragedies, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and government officials have vowed to take corrective measures. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin recently announced stricter monitoring protocols, including enhanced roll calls and the installation of additional CCTV cameras.

“We will ensure no cadet endures such horrors again. The safety and dignity of our future officers are non-negotiable,” Khaled stated in a press briefing.

Expulsion policies for cadets found guilty of bullying have also been introduced to serve as a deterrent. Yet, critics argue that these measures are reactive rather than preventive, and do not address deeper cultural issues within the academies.

The Road Ahead

The persistence of bullying in military academies underscores the need for comprehensive reforms that go beyond surveillance and punishment. The solution lies in fostering a culture of mutual respect, where seniority is not synonymous with abuse and discipline does not come at the cost of dignity.

Mandatory training on leadership ethics, anonymous reporting channels, and periodic reviews of cadet welfare are some measures that could pave the way for meaningful change.

As Malaysia positions itself as a modern military force, the leadership must prioritize the eradication of internal threats to unity and morale. The battlefield begins at home, and winning this war is crucial to restoring public trust and honoring the lives lost to a culture that has no place in the armed forces.