Malay-Sikh trainee offered to shift camp over ‘cutting hair while asleep’ allegations

KUALA LUMPUR - The Indian-origin Sikh boy, who created a controversy by alleging that his hair was cut off while he was asleep at a National Service (NS) training camp in Malaysia, has been reportedly given the option to shift to another camp.

The Star quoted NS Training Department Director General Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil as saying that 17-year-old Basant Singh need not report back at Kem Sri Impian in Sungai Bakap, Penang, tomorrow.

“The first option is to transfer Basant to another camp to continue his training. The other option is for him to postpone his training. The department has no problem granting this if the family thinks it is the best option for their son,” Abdul Hadi said.

He further claimed that initial investigations conducted by the department did not find any malicious act by the camp’s administration or trainees.

“The report, however, is not final. We will wait for the police to complete their investigations,” he added.

Hadi would reportedly meet Union of Perak Sikh Organisations chairman Dheer Singh on Monday to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian National Sikhs Movement (GerakSikh) has called on the community to remain calm and let the authorities carry out a thorough investigation into the case.

Basant’s hair, which originally reached below his navel, was estimated to have been cut by 50 centimetres. Although he has been given leave till January 23, he is reportedly least interest in joining back his duty. (ANI)