KUCHING: The Army has established an internal investigation board to identify the causes of alleged power abuse and brutality involving one of its senior officers in Sarawak.
In a statement today (March 7), the Army said the investigation board has been formed to professionally and comprehensively assess the allegations.
It said that appropriate actions will be taken if misconduct and abuse of power, as alleged, are proven, per the existing rules and directives of the Army.
"The Army confirms receiving reports regarding the allegations of power abuse and violence by a senior officer.
"Army Chief General Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan takes these allegations seriously and will strive to identify the root causes of the incident and will not compromise on the wrongdoer if proven guilty, regardless of rank and position," read the statement.
As a measure, the statement added that the concerned senior officer has been relieved of duty to enable TDM to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation.
A police report filed by the complainant, an army officer, on March 3 has circulated on social media, alleging that the complainant was slapped on the left side of the face and kicked in the stomach by the implicated senior officer, causing injuries to the soft tissue above the eye and blunt trauma.
It is understood that the incident occurred on March 1 during a training session at the formation level involving a group of officers.
"The army hopes that all parties will refrain from spreading the reports and avoid making any negative comments that may disrupt the investigation process until it is completed," it said.
