NS head vows thorough probe
Published: Jan 18, 2011 8:43 PM | Updated: Jan 18, 2011 8:47 PM
The National Service Training Department headquarters has taken over investigations into allegations that a Sikh teenager’s hair was severed while undergoing national service training.
The National Service Training Department headquarters has taken over investigations into allegations that a Sikh teenager’s hair was severed while undergoing national service training.
The department’s director-general Abdul Hadi Awang Kechik said the headquarters is taking over after initial investigations by the commandant of the Seri Impian camp, Sungai Bakap failed to make any headway.
“I have asked the department’s operations director to conduct a detailed investigation to obtain information about the case and report directly to me,” he said.
Earlier today parents of the affected teenager held a press conference to reveal the incident which took place on Jan 16. According to Sikh customs, the cutting of hair is strictly forbidden.
The teen’s parents claimed that the incident was an affront to their religion and they no longer had faith in the ability of authorities to ensure their son’s safety at the camp.
At a hastily arranged press conference in Putrajaya, Abdul Hadi said that the investigation into the matter is expected to be completed within two weeks.
“After that, we will be able to see the real situation,” he said.
He said that preliminary investigations were performed by camp commandant Major Shamsudin Abdul Aziz.
However, the probe failed to obtain any evidence or confessions from trainees that were questioned.
“We were also unable to prove that any sharp objects were brought in. But if there was (such objects), I would be very disappointed,” he said.
Sikh man cause stir
Asked if the staff at the camp were investigated as well, Abdul Hadi skirted the question and said that his department had “procedures” and will perform a thorough investigation.
He stressed that although other trainees were required to cut their hair when they join the camp, Sikh trainees are exempted from this rule out of respect for their religion.
Abdul Hadi said that his department will take stern action against those responsible for the incident to ensure that there would be no misunderstandings.
Before the conclusion of the press conference, a Sikh man who sat quietly with journalists throughout the event caused a minor commotion when he suddenly stood up to admonish Abdul Hadi.
“This is not what the public want to hear. If you want to have a press conference, you must present facts,” said the man, later identified as Mukhtear Singh, representing the Sikh temple from Sungai Besi.
Abdul Hadi calmly replied that his department will get to the bottom of the matter.
The department’s director-general Abdul Hadi Awang Kechik said the headquarters is taking over after initial investigations by the commandant of the Seri Impian camp, Sungai Bakap failed to make any headway.
“I have asked the department’s operations director to conduct a detailed investigation to obtain information about the case and report directly to me,” he said.
Earlier today parents of the affected teenager held a press conference to reveal the incident which took place on Jan 16. According to Sikh customs, the cutting of hair is strictly forbidden. The teen’s parents claimed that the incident was an affront to their religion and they no longer had faith in the ability of authorities to ensure their son’s safety at the camp.
At a hastily arranged press conference in Putrajaya, Abdul Hadi said that the investigation into the matter is expected to be completed within two weeks.
“After that, we will be able to see the real situation,” he said.
He said that preliminary investigations were performed by camp commandant Major Shamsudin Abdul Aziz.
However, the probe failed to obtain any evidence or confessions from trainees that were questioned.
“We were also unable to prove that any sharp objects were brought in. But if there was (such objects), I would be very disappointed,” he said.
Sikh man cause stir
Asked if the staff at the camp were investigated as well, Abdul Hadi skirted the question and said that his department had “procedures” and will perform a thorough investigation.
He stressed that although other trainees were required to cut their hair when they join the camp, Sikh trainees are exempted from this rule out of respect for their religion.
Abdul Hadi said that his department will take stern action against those responsible for the incident to ensure that there would be no misunderstandings.
Before the conclusion of the press conference, a Sikh man who sat quietly with journalists throughout the event caused a minor commotion when he suddenly stood up to admonish Abdul Hadi.
“This is not what the public want to hear. If you want to have a press conference, you must present facts,” said the man, later identified as Mukhtear Singh, representing the Sikh temple from Sungai Besi.
Abdul Hadi calmly replied that his department will get to the bottom of the matter.
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