KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 —  The Malaysian Armed Forces has set up a special investigation board to probe the torture-murder of naval cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain.

National Defence University of Malaysia’s (UPNM) deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Professor Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din called for an end to speculation concerning the murder to allow the board to complete its investigation.

“We are all saddened by what has happened, but let us not speculate or jump to conclusions until the board has completed its investigation,” he said.

“A lot of hearsay and rumours are being thrown about and we cannot just make assumptions.

“All of us want to know what actually happened, so let the board carry out what I believe will be a just, professional and transparent investigation.”

Fadzil expressed confidence the board would be able to unearth the truth behind the murder and bring the culprits to justice.

The university has more than 2,000 undergraduates made up of military cadets and others taking diploma, foundation programmes and bachelor degree courses in medicine, management, engineering, and science and technology fields, with study durations ranging from three to five years.

Fadzil denied that there were previous cases of ragging, bullying and fighting at the university.

He said the only disciplinary cases he had come across were academic in nature such as copying and plagiarism during examinations, or students skipping lectures, which were common problems that occurred in other universities as well.

Fadzil said the university had very few cases of indiscipline reported.

“Even for military cadets, who are under the Military Training Academy of the university, there have been no reports of ragging, bullying or fighting,” he said.

He acknowledged that bullying, ragging and fighting among students can happen, but pointed out that the university authorities can only take action if such cases are reported.

“Basically, it must be understood that in any university, there will be issues or problems among students from time to time,” he said.

“If a problem is reported, the authorities can act on it and take the necessary action or measures to resolve it.

“However if it is not reported, then it is difficult to address such problems.”

Fadzil said the welfare and well-being of all undergraduates are a priority and of utmost concern to the university’s management and staff.

“We have been checking all the undergraduates on campus, and I can assure you they are doing fine, in good spirits and going about with their academic business despite what has happened,” he said.

“It is currently exam season from Monday to June 23.”

Fadzil gave an assurance that trainers, lecturers and counsellors are keeping a close eye on all undergraduates, and going on their regular rounds to check on their welfare and well-being.

Navy cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman, 21, died last Thursday after succumbing to horrific injuries supposedly inflicted by close to two-and-a half dozen of his fellow cadet officers after being accused of stealing a laptop.