A former Royal Malaysian Navy cadet officer has revealed a troubling account of the events leading up to J. Soosaimanicckam's death. Anas Hakimi Mat, now a lawyer, testified that he witnessed a lieutenant sitting on Soosaimanicckam's stomach and repeatedly slapping him during cadet training on May 18, 2018, the day before Soosaimanicckam's demise.

The incident occurred on a Friday, and the following day, May 19, 2018, the 27-year-old cadet officer was pronounced dead at the Armed Forces Hospital in Lumut. Anas Hakimi Mat testified that Soosaimanicckam was often isolated from other trainees as he frequently requested exemptions from training for medical reasons.

During cross-examination by Federal Counsel Nur Ezdiani Roleb, Anas refuted claims that the isolation and harsh treatment were intended to instill discipline and a fighting spirit. He described Soosaimanicckam as a physically imposing individual who occasionally had disciplinary issues.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard testimonies from Soosaimanicckam's brothers, J. Charles and J. Calvin, who served as the second and third witnesses for the plaintiff. The family has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the defendants for failing to provide emergency treatment when Soosaimanicckam collapsed and for not adequately monitoring his well-being and health during training sessions. They seek general damages, aggravated damages, exemplary damages, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

Chronology of Events:

May 12, 2018

- Soosaimanicckam registers and begins training, assigned to the same section as Abdul Muiz, who later testified in the trial.

May 18, 2018

- Anas Hakimi Mat who is now a lawyer observes a lieutenant sitting on Soosaimanicckam's stomach and repeatedly slapping him during training.

May 19, 2018

- Soosaimanicckam emerges from his room on the ground floor looking weak and unable to walk unaided.
- He is pronounced dead (1.45 PM) at the Armed Forces Hospital in Lumut.

May 20, 2018

- Manjung District Police Chief ACP Muhammad Hanif Othman said that the forensic investigation found that the victim died due to watery lungs and there was no element of crime or physical attack, and classified the case as sudden death.

July 13, 2018

- The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) was asked to conduct an immediate investigation and issue a detailed report regarding the death of the officer.

Sept 6, 2018

- Calvin, a member of the Soosaimanicckam family to Seri Manjung Hospital, Perak, to consult regarding the hospital's refusal to release the final post-mortem report to the deceased's family.

May 19, 2021

- A lawsuit filed on this date and it has brought to light the importance of proper emergency treatment and monitoring during training sessions. The victim's family is alleging negligence on the part of the defendants for failing to provide immediate care when the victim collapsed.

April 17, 2024

- A former cadet officer of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RLDM) told the Sessions Court here today that the late J. - Soosaimanicckam was foaming at the mouth, his palms were bleeding and his body was bruised before the victim died.

May 20, 2024

- The High Court here set July 29 to decide the appeal against the open verdict regarding the inquest to determine the cause of death of cadet officer J. Soosaimanicckam.

As the trial progresses, the question remains: Will justice prevail for Soosaimanicckam and his family?

Source / Image Credit : Bernama, the Vibes, Astro Awani