Defence Minister Denies Claims of UPNM Vice-Chancellor Being a "Dumping Ground" for Three-Star Generals
Minister’s Response to Parliament Question
Defence Minister Khaled Nordin has denied claims that the position of vice-chancellor of the National Defence University (UPNM) has become a dumping ground for certain three-star generals in the armed forces. In response to a question from Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah), Khaled explained that appointments to the position of vice-chancellor are strategically done to bolster the nation’s intellectual capability in defence through education.
Criteria for Appointments
According to Khaled, officers appointed to the post of vice-chancellor do not only possess knowledge, experience, and expertise but have also been in the service for a long period, allowing them to understand the culture of the organisation and make strategic defence plans.
Decisions Made by Armed Forces Council and Consented by the King
Khaled also clarified that the appointments of UPNM vice-chancellors are decided by the armed forces council and consented to by the king.
Recent Controversies Surrounding UPNM
UPNM has made headlines over the past few years over multiple cases of bullying of cadet officers, with the most prominent case involving the death of navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain seven years ago. Zulfarhan was assaulted by his peers non-stop for two days, from May 21 to 22, 2017, for allegedly stealing a laptop which was never found. In July, the Court of Appeal found six former UPNM students guilty of murdering Zulfarhan, overturning the High Court’s reduced charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They were handed the death sentence, and the case is now under appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin has denied claims that the position of vice-chancellor of the National Defence University (UPNM) is a dumping ground for certain three-star generals in the armed forces. Instead, he emphasized that appointments to this critical post are made to bolster the nation’s intellectual capability in defence through education.
FAQs
- What is the position of vice-chancellor of the National Defence University (UPNM)?
The position of vice-chancellor is a key appointment made by the armed forces council and consented to by the king to lead the university and ensure its academic excellence. - Is the position of vice-chancellor a "dumping ground" for three-star generals?
No, according to Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, the position is not a "dumping ground" for three-star generals, but rather a strategic appointment to bolster the nation’s intellectual capability in defence through education. - What is the most prominent case of bullying at UPNM?
The most prominent case is the death of navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain seven years ago, which involved the assault of Zulfarhan by his peers for allegedly stealing a laptop which was never found.