4th May 2026
I refer to Minister of Defence Khaled Nordin’s statement on 30.4.2026 that the case of Trooper Abdul Hamid bin Talib, who is in a vegetative state, has been handed over for investigation to the police and will be handled transparently in accordance with law.
The Minister’s statement, which was only made after the family went public, raises more questions than answers.
Firstly, why was the Ministry of Defence silent about this very serious assault case until the family themselves informed the public on 29 April 2026, almost 50 days after the incident? The treatment and welfare of members of the armed forces in the course of their duties, is a matter of public interest. The Ministry of Defence and the Government should have been open and transparent about this grievous incident involving a member of our commando forces whilst carrying out his duties in the army camp. He is only 25 years old, and now his entire future is dark.
Secondly, the Minister of Defence failed to explain why physical or corporal punishment was carried out upon trooper Abdul Hamid, resulting in such injuries. Under the “Armed Forces (Field Punishment) Regulations 1976”, corporal punishment cannot be carried out upon serving members of the Armed Forces. In other words, under no circumstances, can our soldiers be subjected to beatings or assault purportedly as corporal punishment. It is illegal, and a crime to do so.
Thirdly, the Minister of Defence failed to explain why Trooper Abdul Hamid was only taken to the Hospital Sultan Ismail in Johor Bahru on the afternoon of 12th March 2026, whereas he had collapsed during punishment early in the morning of 11th March 2026. Why the delay of almost a day and a half? In the case of brain injury, immediate treatment is crucial.
Fourthly, the Minister of Defence offered no explanation as to why the family of Trooper Abdul Hamid was told that he had suffered these terrible injuries after a fall in the bathroom. This was manifestly untrue, and even the police have confirmed that two soldiers were arrested and are under investigation over the injuries suffered by Trooper Abdul Hamid. Why was the incorrect information given to the family? Who was responsible and what action has been taken upon them?
Fifth, the Minister of Defence failed to state whether all the army commanders and officers responsible have been suspended pending inquiry and investigation. How can there be an effective and comprehensive inquiry if all the potential wrong doers are still on active duty in the camp?
Consequently, the family of Trooper Abdul Hamid Talib urge as follows: –
1. That the Minister of Defence and Government of Malaysia explain how and why corporal punishment, which is illegal, was inflicted upon Trooper Abdul Hamid on 11th of March 2026 at Kem Iskandar, Mersing, Johor.
2. That the Minister of Defence and the Government explain whether the corporal punishment was sanctioned or done with the knowledge of the Ministry of Defence and Government of Malaysia.
3. That the Minister of Defence and Government explain why Trooper Abdul Hamid was not rushed to a General hospital immediately upon his collapse during punishment in the early hours of 11th March 2026.
4. That the Minister of Defence and the Government explain why the family was falsely informed that the Trooper Abdul Hamid was found unconscious after a fall in the bathroom, when in fact he had been assaulted.
5. That the IGP, A-G and Government explain why after 50 days since the horrific injuries suffered by Trooper Abdul Hamid, no person or persons have been made accountable in a court of law.
6. That the Minister of Defence and Government make public the findings of the Inquiry held by the army into the incident.
Issued by,
N. SURENDRAN
Lawyer for the family of Trooper Abdul Hamid
&
Advisor, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL)