UPNM

When Bullying Goes from Bad to Worse: UPNM's Dark Legacy

The haunting story of UPNM’s cadets, where bullying spirals into tragedy, has Malaysians demanding change. 🌟

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the father of Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, a murdered army cadet of Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia (UPNM), has opened up about his profound sadness over the relentless cycle of abuse occurring in institutions of higher education. This father thought Zulfarhan's tragic case would be the last of its kind, yet the disturbing patterns of bullying remain prevalent, particularly in military training environments. The community can’t help but wonder, how can we create safer spaces for our future defenders?

Back in 2017, Zulfarhan tragically lost his life because of severe bullying by fellow cadets, an incident that sent shockwaves across Malaysia and raised serious questions about the culture in military training schools. This week, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is under scrutiny yet again after reports surfaced of another cadet being subjected to horrifying bullying tactics, including the use of a hot iron, a stark reminder of Zulfarhan’s ordeal. Activists like Wan Azliana Wan Adnan are calling for accountability, emphasizing that schools and universities need to adopt strict measures to ensure student safety.

Adding to the calls for reform, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stepped up, urging both the Higher Education Ministry and the Ministry of Education to take robust action against bullying in educational institutions. This outcry for a safer environment is not just about retribution; it’s about sending a strong message that bullying will not be tolerated, regardless of the institution or rank. The community is coming out in support, recognizing that these actions will help prevent future tragedies like that of Zulfarhan’s.

As investigations proceed into the latest bullying incidents, Malaysians are becoming more aware of the pressing need for reform. In a society rife with educational pressures, bullying should not be the norm. Fun fact: Universities across the globe have implemented various anonymous reporting systems, encouraging students to speak up without fear of retribution. Moreover, educational institutions that enforce anti-bullying policies often see a decrease in psychological distress among students, showing that meaningful change can be achieved when everyone puts their foot down against this insidious issue.