UPNM case not bullying but a joke gone too far, say cops

 

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said no motive had been found. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The alleged bullying of a cadet at the National Defence University (UPNM) has been described as simply a joke gone too far by Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa.

Rusdi said investigations found no element of bullying or grudges that could have led to the incident, adding that there was also no argument between the two, Harian Metro reported.

“The incident occurred without any motive. The suspect had just asked the victim if he had ever ‘tried’ a hot iron (being pressed against him).

“There was actually no motive, there was no grudge, fight or bullying. It was just a joke. It’s not even ragging,” he said, adding that it was the victim’s first time being “bullied”.

Rusdi said the investigation paper had been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, though police had yet to receive the medical report on the victim’s injuries.

He said no arrests had been made for now.

A senior cadet had allegedly pressed a hot iron against the chest of a junior cadet at the UPNM hostel in Sungai Besi at around 11.45pm on Oct 22.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain previously said the 20-year-old victim had been asked by the fourth-year cadet to iron his clothes. The 22-year-old then suddenly took the iron held by the complainant and pressed it against his junior’s chest.

Razarudin said the investigation is being carried out under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

During a meeting with UPNM students last weekend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said bullying had become a culture in the country as it was tolerated and at times defended, describing this as sickening. - FMT