Veteran Accuses MAF Officer Of Assaulting Him In Front Of 200 UPNM Cadets

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

The incident, which allegedly unfolded before more than 200 cadet officers, led the veteran to lodge a police report at the Cheras district police headquarters, according to Bernama.

Major (Rtd) Qayyum Badaruddin, 56, claimed the incident occurred as he was preparing to deliver a lecture to cadet officers of the Military Training Academy at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM).

Qayyum claimed that a serving MAF officer, who also works as a counsellor from the MAF headquarters' counselling unit, insulted and physically mishandled him following a disagreement over scheduling.

He said he approached the officer to ask when his session would conclude, as it had run 20 minutes past its allocated time. However, the officer allegedly responded with threats and verbal abuse.

"The officer replied 'You're a busybody, I'll punch you. If [you're] not satisfied, let's settle outside'.

"His answer had nothing to do with my question. He then grabbed my neck and dragged me to the side, in full view of more than 200 cadet officers and other MAF officers," he told reporters after lodging his report.

He noted that he was invited to the event and expected a basic level of respect, even as a former officer.

"Even though I am no longer a military officer, I was there as a speaker.

"He shouldn't have treated me like that. I want him to apologise because I represent tens of thousands of veterans. We don't deserve to be treated this way, especially as we have all served and continue to contribute to the military's image and values," he was quoted as saying.

Qayyum added that since the alleged incident, he has not received any form of apology from the officer concerned or any other MAF officials.