Malaysian Military Academy Cadet Who Ironed His Junior’s Body, Threatened with Jail and Return Scholarship Funds

JAKARTA - A cadet from the Military Training Academy (ALK) of the Malaysian Defense University (UPNM) who allegedly abused his junior using a hot iron is facing a 10-year prison sentence.

The cadet named Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan is also facing a dishonorable discharge from the military academy and a request to return all scholarships received.

"The ministry will not compromise on this matter and will take firm action, including expelling the individual from the cadet program," said Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin in his speech at the inauguration of the 2024 MINDEF National Integrity Day celebration at his headquarters on Tuesday, November 12, as quoted by Bernama.

Khaled said the Investigation Agency had completed its investigation into the case and the punishment for the alleged perpetrator of the assault would be decided today.

"We will also demand repayment of all financial support provided during his training as a cadet at ALK-UPNM," he said.

Khaled emphasized that the Malaysian Defense Ministry is transparent in dealing with bullying cases, including the case of the cadet at Akmil that is currently being faced.

He ensured that the further investigation process of the alleged perpetrator involves the police.

"We will cooperate with all parties because we (the Defense Ministry) have limited sanctions, with the maximum sanction being expulsion from the cadet program," said Khaled.

On November 8, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court prosecutor charged a cadet named Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan with injuring his junior using a hot steam iron while at Akmil or ALK UPNM.

Amirul is accused of intentionally harming his victim Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, 20, using a hot steam iron while at the UPNM academy, Kamp Sungai Besi, Cheras, Malaysia at 23.45 p.m. on October 22.

He was charged under Article 324 of the Criminal Code which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine, or caning, or two of these punishments.