TWELVE officers and 29 rank-and-file soldiers were dismissed since 2019 for involvement in cases of bullying and abusing their lower-ranked charges.
Army chief, Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, said that those who were subjected to the action included various ranks, including a Major.
He said that the drastic action taken was proof that the army does not compromise with any officers who commit offences, including abuse and bullying, reported Berita Harian.
"I always emphasise that acts of abuse and bullying are a betrayal to the team and we will not compromise at all.
“This behaviour is not a tradition in the army, but sometimes there are isolated cases involving individuals abusing lower-ranked charges," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after visiting the Tok O army post and attending a Hari Raya celebration in Rantau Panjang today. Hafizuddeain said it has always been the army's policy to protect its members from such misconduct.
On the death of 21-year-old Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri, he said no action has been taken against the two soldiers arrested over the incident.
"The case is still under police investigation and the duo are still under remand until April 9.
"Our internal board will carry out its own investigation, including reviewing the procedures followed by the unit involved," he said.
Muqriz, who was attached to a Royal Malay Regiment battalion based in Miri, died after he was believed to have been bullied.
Two more senior members of the battalion who are also privates, aged 22 and 24, were arrested over the incident.
Hafizuddeain said the army has issued repeated reminders to both officers and rank-and-file personnel that abuse would not be tolerated.
"This (hazing, bullying and abuse) is not a tradition within the army, but from time to time, there are isolated cases involving individuals," he said. – April 7, 2025
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