SEREMBAN, June 2 — No one is above the law and action can be taken against those involved in the death of a Malaysian National Defence University (UPNM) navy cadet officer yesterday, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said he had ordered the Malaysian Armed Forces and UPNM to conduct an urgent investigation to ascertain the cause of death and the culprits.

Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, 21, a third year Electrical Engineering undergraduate, died at the Serdang Hospital last night with bruises and scalding marks on his body, according to Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Fadzil Ahmat.

Hishammuddin expressed sadness over the news of the death of Zulfarhan Osman when Muslims were now observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

"I have been consistent from the beginning that no one is above the law if found guilty in a case like this,” he said in a statement here today.

The minister said the death of Zulfarhan Osman brought back a bitter memory during his stint as Education Minister in 2004.

"At that time, a student in Negeri Sembilan died after being bullied by schoolmates. That incident is still fresh in my memory and it had a big impact as after that, the Education Ministry went all out to curb bullying in  schools,” he said.

However, Hishammuddin said the incident in 2004 was probably different than the death of the navy cadet

"Regardless of what the excuse is, who are we to go to the extent of causing death. Definitely, I cannot accept that.

"I just cannot imagine his (the deceased) family’s reaction upon receiving such a devastating news. Deep inside, I’m praying that Allah will give them the strength and patience to endure the loss of their loved one,” he said. — Bernama