THE recent flurry of reports concerning the case of sexual harassment involving the National Defence University (UPNM) invites reflection the ramifications it has on our military, society, and our nation.

This is not simply a matter of the case having been investigated, decided, and closed. It is seen as a can of worms, if not properly dealt with, may potentially cause societal decadence and even self-destruct.

The case of the female lecturer from UPNM allegedly sexually harassed by her superior and later the parties involved being instructed by the vice-chancellor to settle the case and not tarnish the reputation of the university, strikes consternation among those in the military, in particular veterans who have served during the era of the emergencies, and who have given so much of their personal sacrifice so that peace is savoured today.

Honour and integrity are two key values that have been drilled into the minds of officers from the very beginning of their cadet days. Together with discipline, these are values that will arm them to lead their men into battles, to face the most risky field operation and even to be prepared to die. Without which any battle would be lost even before its start. The military as an organisation is reduced to being insignificant, unworthy of being held in high esteem by the constitution. As such, allegations of the UPNM sexual harassment, if confirmed to be true, would mean those noble values and discipline have been compromised.

It goes without saying that an officer is also a gentleman in the military. Good etiquette have been the foundation for character molding for an officer. A gentlemanly behavior is to be displayed towards the weaker sex. A woman is to be protected and treated as a lady. Sexually harassing a lady colleague is unthinkable. It is even worse, for a serious misconduct as such to be swept under the carpet by the superior holding the highest office in the university.

The repercussion on the UPNM students, numerous among whom will become officers in the military, is far-reaching. It is akin to the father of the family setting very bad examples to his sons and daughters. In short, those holding high offices at the UPNM are themselves bad officers, bad leaders, and incapable to impart good values and leadership examples to their charges.

It is also safe to say that these officers are peacetime soldiers who have not experienced the hardship like their peers during the war era. In the jargons of tradition and military culture, such conduct would be scorned as ‘not enough ragging’ and therefore ‘badly brought up’ when they joined units as newly commissioned officers. Ragging, if conducted and properly supervised, helps build an officer’s character and promotes esprit-de-corps, comradeship and brotherhood.

The line between sexual harassment in the military and the many reported cases of molesting and sexually abusing underage girls in the civilian world is the strict military discipline. Without the reign of military laws, the institution is reduced to a band of armed hoodlums where officers take shelter to seek their own safety first before anyone else at every instance of enemy bombs and artillery shells dropping from overhead.

Forget about asking them to patrol the jungles to seek and destroy the communist insurgents for there will be booby traps laying in wait. In the midst of harrowing enemy rapid fire they will be first to scramble for cover and freeze behind the largest trees. These will be the results if such officers lead the military where traditions, values and discipline are thrashed to insignificance. Neither can substituted religious values over military values incorporated since late 1980s enhance leadership quality.

Honour and integrity are values sacred to military officers.

Not properly guided to the traditions and culture of the military, these officers tend to develop individualistic traits. Hence, easily dissuaded away from the military norms, women are seen as sex objects, to be bullied, to serve the lust of men. With thousands of men in the queue for application to marry underage girls under the pretext to give them an opportunity for a better life and lift them out of poverty, adopting these pitiful underage girls as daughters would serve the stated purpose and avoid ridicules from civil society.

The alleged case of sexual harassment at UPNM may be treated as an isolated case. The university is the pride of the military and an elite training institution where future leaders are trained. A senior instructor misbehaving and the overall commander of the institution trying to cover up signify something grievously wrong is amiss. There can be no other action except a full and impartial investigation and if wrong doing is found, disciplinary actions be taken. Honour, integrity and discipline must be restored. – November 1, 2018.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.