KUALA LUMPUR – The Higher Education Ministry has dismissed claims of Universiti Malaya (UM) allegedly being slow to act against its professor accused of sexual harassment by sending nude photos to a student.
In a statement today, the ministry said the nation’s leading university does not treat any reports regarding the case lightly, adding that all procedures and rules related to the matter were fully adhered to.
“The ministry was informed that the issue has been officially handled since a report was received and UM’s Integrity Unit is also actively conducting investigations.
“UM also has guidelines and rules specifically on sexual harassment issues. The necessary measures are being taken to protect the rights of all parties,” the ministry added.
It also confirmed that the professor involved in the case has filed a police report, with authorities conducting an ongoing investigation.
It emphasised that any action taken must be based on existing laws as measures which contravene legal stipulations will impact ongoing investigation processes.
“The ministry urges all parties to provide adequate space for comprehensive investigations to be conducted. The ministry and UM will not compromise with any parties proven to be guilty of breaching laws, with stern disciplinary action to be taken,” it added.
Yesterday, the UM Feminist Club (UMFC) successfully handed over a memorandum to the university’s management on a recent alleged sexual harassment incident involving a professor from its Mathematical Sciences Institute.
The memorandum, which called for the professor’s immediate suspension pending an investigation outcome, detailed that while multiple students have alleged harassment by the professor, UM has been slow to act in an apparent disregard for student’s rights.
UMFC president Chin Jes Weng told a press conference that the professor had filed a police report against a student said to have posted the lecturer’s nude photos around campus as a warning to other students.
The police report, Chin said, also accused the student group of defamation.
On December 18, UM said it has launched an internal investigation, headed by its Integrity Unit, to probe allegations against the professor, assuring that it remains ready to provide full cooperation with relevant parties to ensure that this issue is handled accordingly.
The statement came two days after UMFC alleged that the professor in question had shared nude photos with students and engaged in sexual harassment, claiming then that UM had “yet to act” despite previous reports made by students against the professor. – December 21, 2024
