KUALA LUMPUR: Popular actor, singer, and host, Datuk AC Mizal, has opened up about his traumatic experience with bullying during his time at a military college.
The 53-year-old, whose real name is Mizal Zaini, spoke about the brutal ragging he endured as a young student.
In a news report, he explained that ragging was a common tradition in many boys’ hostels, often resulting in serious injuries.
“I was once forced to duck walk for five kilometres until I couldn’t stand up,” he said.
“Even worse, they made me do push-ups on the road until my hands were completely raw.”
He also recounted even more horrific incidents, including being cut with a hot knife and being forced to sleep standing up.
AC Mizal, who was 13 at the time, was sent to the college by his father without prior warning.
“My late father was the Chief of Police in Muar at the time. He just told me, ‘Mizal, we’re ready to go to Kuala Lumpur,’ and I was fine with it at first.”
However, his stay at the college was brief.
“Things didn’t turn out as expected, and he took me out of the college after a short time.”
Despite the ordeal, AC Mizal believes the experience made him stronger.
“Looking back, I’m grateful for the chance to go through those bittersweet experiences; they made me tough, mature, and resilient.”
AC Mizal’s comments follow the tragic death of Zara Qairina, a schoolgirl from Sabah who died at the hostel of her religious school in Papar.
Her death has led many celebrities to share their own past experiences with school bullying.
AC Mizal, along with many others, has expressed outrage over her death and is calling for justice.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
