The Malaysian Insight

THE 32 students of Defence University  who were arrested following the death of navy cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain have been suspended pending the outcome of the murder investigation, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

Hishammuddin said the students would also be expelled from the Army Training Academy if they were found to have known about Zulfarhan being tortured but kept the knowledge from their superiors.

Academy officers and staff found to have been aware of Zulkarfan’s plight but did nothing to help will also have to face the music.

“I am disappointed and frustrated at the tragedy that befell Zulfarhan. Such an incident should have never happened, what more during Ramadan. Those involved seem to have lost their humanity and faith in committing such a hideous act,” he said. 

Hishammuddin said this after visiting Zulfarhan parents at their home in Johor this evening. 

Zulfarhan is believed to have been tortured to death over a laptop that he had been accused of stealing. A clothes hanger, a steam iron and a belt are believed to have been the implements used to hurt the 21-year-old student.

Zulfarhan could have suffered for a week before he died of the second and third degree burns that covered nearly his whole body.

Hishamuddin said the suspects, as military university students, should be responsible, honest and transparent.

“Their failure to uphold these values is unacceptable,” he said.

The armed forces have also been instructed to review the training and management system at the Army Training Academy.

Zulfarhan was the eldest of four siblings and a second-year Electrical Engineering student. 

Thirty-six people were arrested following to his death. Thirty-two were Defence University students.

They were remanded a week, ending tomorrow. – June 8, 2017.