Army denies Vegeneswaran still serving, says disciplinary conviction stands
The Malaysian Army says a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling only quashed his dismissal on procedural grounds and did not overturn his disciplinary conviction.
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Army (TDM) has denied claims by its former member, Sergeant K. Vegeneswaran, which went viral on social media, that he is still a serving soldier following a Court of Appeal ruling.
In an official statement today, the army said the claims made by Vegeneswaran in a TikTok video on July 23 were baseless.
According to TDM, the Court of Appeal decision dated May 25, 2023 only set aside the earlier dismissal action on procedural grounds.
However, it did not annul the disciplinary conviction against Vegeneswaran, who tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine in a screening test confirmed by the Pathology Department of Hospital Kepala Batas.
"Following that decision, TDM terminated his service under the Armed Forces (Terms of Service for the Regular Forces) Regulations 2013 upon completion of his 18 years of full-time service.
"All outstanding salary, allowances and entitled benefits have been paid to and received by the former member without any objection or dispute," the statement said.
On claims that Vegeneswaran remains an army member because he still holds a MyTentera card, TDM said a member's status is determined by law and service records, not by possession of a military identification card.
The card remains in the former member's possession because he has yet to complete the discharge documentation process, it said.
"TDM also stresses that any former member whose service has been terminated no longer has the right to present himself as a member of the army.
"Any use of the MyTentera card or wearing of military uniform to portray oneself as a serving member may constitute an offence under the Penal Code and is subject to investigation and legal action by the authorities," it said.
The army added that it always respects court decisions and carries out all actions in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
The public was advised not to speculate or spread inaccurate information that could cause confusion and harm the image and reputation of the armed forces.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.