He said a special committee investigating the death of the 22-year-old cadet of the Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) is expected to complete its report soon, Bernama reported.

“I have directed UTM to fully cooperate in the investigation.

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone if wrongdoing is found,” he said after visiting Syamsul’s mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, at her home in Semenyih today.

Present was UTM vice-chancellor Shafry Rahim.

Syamsul was a second-semester Bachelor of Cyber Security student and the eldest of three children.

He died on July 28 under unclear circumstances while undergoing Palapes training at the Army Combat Training Centre (Pulada) in Ulu Tiram, Johor.

He began training on July 26 and had been expected to complete it on Aug 3.

Earlier, defence minister Khaled Nordin announced the formation of a joint investigation committee, comprising officers from the defence, higher education, and home ministries.

The family had called for a transparent and fair investigation, including a second autopsy.

This followed allegations by the mother that Syamsul’s body showed bruises and injuries consistent with physical assault rather than a seizure.

“I want a transparent investigation. There were wounds on his chest, as if he was stabbed or struck with an object. His eyes were bruised.

“I strongly believe there was foul play, that he was beaten, tortured and assaulted until he died,” she said.

She also urged that the family’s lawyer, Naran Singh, be included in the ministry’s investigation committee.