Army probing into punching incident involving senior officer

KUALA LUMPUR: The army is investigating an incident where a senior officer allegedly punched one of his subordinates, which has since gone viral.

In a statement on Thursday, the army said an investigation body had been established for the purpose, and all witnesses had been identified and instructed to help with the investigation.

“We view this matter seriously. We will scrutinise the outcome of the investigation before taking any action, in accordance with regulation and the law.

“The army will not hesitate to take action, regardless of rank and position, and urges all parties to refrain from sharing the video of the incident. This is to allow the investigation to be conducted in a fair manner.”

On Tuesday, a one-minute video recording showing a man believed to be a senior officer dressed in plainclothes punching a fully armed soldier guarding the entrance gate to the Sungai Udang military camp in Melaka went viral.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu on Thursday assured that there would be no cover-up of the incident.

He said the investigation would be conducted independently and fairly, and urged all parties to remain patient and refrain from making allegations to protect the good name of the army and the armed forces.