Don T Give Ex Army Cops Unrestricted Powers As Mrsm Wardens Says Criminologist

---

 Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim says there is real concern that the ex-officers may adopt heavy-handed methods.
Earlier this month, police confirmed that a viral video showing a student being bullied in a hostel took place at an MRSM in Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, in mid-2024.
PETALING JAYA: A criminologist has urged Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) not to grant full authority to former military and police officers appointed as hostel wardens for Mara Junior Science Colleges.
Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said proper supervision and clear standard operating procedures were needed to manage students – not harsh methods commonly used in training of security forces.
“There’s a real concern that these ex-officers might rely on a forceful approach towards students. So, they shouldn’t be given unchecked authority. Instead, principals and other school staff must be involved in monitoring their conduct,” he told FMT.
“Taking care of school students is not the same as training soldiers or police. You can’t apply 100% of that training in MRSM.”
His remarks follow an announcement by Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki that former members of the armed forces and police will be appointed as full-time hostel wardens at selected MRSMs.
Asyraf said the initiative would begin as a pilot project at several campuses before being expanded nationwide, if successful.
The decision came in response to a spike in bullying cases at MRSM hostels, including older incidents that have only recently come to light.
Earlier this month, police confirmed that a viral video showing a student being bullied in a hostel took place at an MRSM in Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, in mid-2024.
On Monday, it was reported that probe papers on the case have been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor.
Meanwhile, the president of the Veterans’ Association of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Shahruddin Omar, said appointing former military officers as wardens could harness their expertise in instilling discipline among students.
He said this move could have a significant impact on MRSM’s mission to nurture capable and well-rounded youths for the nation’s future.
Shahruddin added that the pilot project would also benefit military veterans by offering them a second career and a means of livelihood after retirement.
“At the same time, the knowledge, experience and character they bring can be passed down to the younger generation,” he said. - FMT

---