The family of a 25-year-old commando is demanding justice after their son was left in a vegetative state following an incident at a Johor army camp.
Trooper Abdul Hamid Talib, a member of the Special Service Group (Grup Gerak Khas, GGK), sustained severe injuries at Kem Iskandar in Mersing on March 11.
As a result, Hamid suffered severe head trauma, with part of his skull removed due to the extent of the injury.
Hamid is in a vegetative state, where he is unable to speak, eat, or recognise his surroundings, and relies entirely on feeding and breathing tubes.
Speaking at a press conference today, lawyers representing the family claimed that the initial explanation given by the military for the trooper’s injuries was due to a fall.
Lawyers N Surendran and Suzana Norlihan Alias, however, disputed this account, arguing that the extent of his injuries is more consistent with assault or severe physical punishment.
“The explanation given is that he fell. I don’t think anyone would believe that a 25-year-old, healthy commando could fall and end up like this.
“Part of his skull had to be removed. Can you imagine? Can this happen from a fall?” Surendran said at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office today.
No updates on probe
Suzana claimed that she faced difficulties obtaining Hamid’s medical reports.
The lawyer alleged this was a deliberate attempt to conceal the report and prevent the family from pursuing legal action.
She added that the family had also been pressured to move Hamid out of hospital care and into a rental home despite his need for intensive, round-the-clock medical treatment.
Surendran, on the other hand, questioned the progress of the investigation, noting that Hamid’s brother, Saifuddin Talib, lodged a police report on March 14.
However, there have been no updates on the investigation to date, and no individuals have been charged or subjected to any known disciplinary action.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Mersing district police chief Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani said investigation papers were opened on the same day and have been referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for further instructions.
Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that the matter had also been referred to the Johor state director of prosecution on April 28, Berita Harian reported.
“We are now awaiting further instruction from the office,” he was quoted as saying, adding that an official statement on the status of the case will be issued today.
Immense stress for Hamid’s family
Since Hamid’s condition deteriorated, the family has been burdened with immense financial and emotional stress.
Saifuddin said their mother was traumatised by the tragedy, repeatedly saying that she still cannot accept the situation.
Suzana pointed out that the family is now relying largely on Saifuddin’s RM2,500 monthly salary to support Hamid’s ongoing medical and daily care needs.
Meanwhile, another of Hamid’s older brothers had to resign from his job to become a full-time caretaker.
The lawyer also claimed there had been minimal support from the army camp, alleging that only RM500 was initially provided to the family following the incident.
It was only after Suzana posted about the incident on social media that the family received an additional RM1,500 aid.
“This family needs a lot of financial support, because they need intensive care. So the government, the camp, has to be responsible.
“But in this case, what made me angry was why the camp didn’t care about the case. And why the GGK or police did not say anything,” Suzana lamented.
Surendran described the situation as blatant unequal treatment between ordinary Malaysians and the political elite.
He noted that Hamid’s mother, Josmah Duin, is a Sabahan of Bajau descent who had travelled from Sabah after her son was critically injured while serving the country.
“Do the elites in Putrajaya understand what the normal people in this country are going through? This is our question,” he said, adding that such alleged incompetence would not transpire if it involved the children of renowned individuals.
Demands for accountability
The family is now demanding the immediate suspension of all officers who were allegedly involved, saying this is necessary to prevent possible interference with the investigation or intimidation of witnesses.
They are also calling on the inspector-general of police to establish a special task force from Bukit Aman to take over the investigation from local authorities, citing a lack of progress in the case so far.
“There must be an independent team. We cannot allow the investigation to remain where there are already questions about transparency and delay,” Surendran said.
The family further urged the Defence Ministry and the armed forces to take full responsibility for what has happened, and to provide a clear explanation to the family and the public.
In addition, they are calling on the Attorney-General’s Chambers to reclassify the case as attempted murder, given the severity and permanence of Hamid’s injuries.
They also urged the government to establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate not only Hamid’s case but also broader allegations of abuse and misconduct within military camps nationwide.
“We do not want to see this happen to any other family. Can you imagine their suffering and what they have endured since this incident occurred?
“Therefore, we are demanding the government immediately advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to establish an RCI to thoroughly and comprehensively investigate this incident,” Surendran said.
In a statement later, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin said his ministry will leave it to the police to investigate the case and the two people believed to be involved.
At the same time, the Malaysian Army is conducting an internal investigation.
“Appropriate action against the personnel involved will be decided based on findings of the investigation,” he said.
Khaled also assured that Hamid’s condition is being closely monitored, and his ministry is committed to ensuring that the case will be handled transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. - Mkini
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