KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya (UM) has poured cold water on a student group’s claim that one in five students at the nation’s top higher education institute experienced sexual harassment.
In a statement today quoting UM vice chancellor Datuk Seri Noor Azuan Abu Osman, the university said the UM Feminism Club (UMFC) had also failed to respond to feedback provided earlier this year regarding the survey.
“Checks conducted with gender studies experts from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences on the survey found that there were several weaknesses regarding the methodology and sampling aspects, which required further scrutiny.
“The university emphasises that it is vital to evaluate the survey’s validity and credibility to ensure that its findings are based on solid facts and accurate principles,” the statement read.
It added that while a feedback session was organised with UMFC on May 24, the university has yet to receive the requested data and information from the student movement.
The vice chancellor was quoted as saying that since the claims made by UMFC are of a serious nature, the university will be taking “appropriate action” if the allegations are found to have not been based on comprehensive studies and credible data.
UMFC recently gained media attention when it alleged that a professor from UM’s Mathematical Sciences Institute had shared nude photos with students and engaged in sexual harassment.
In a statement on December 16, the group had also claimed that UM had “yet to act” despite previous reports made by students against the same professor, whose nude photos were briefly posted around campus by one of his alleged victims as a warning to other students.
Commenting on the case, UM said it intends to conduct an internal investigation on the matter by establishing a committee. However, it said that the formation of such a committee would require concrete evidence.
As such, it urged those with information on the case, especially the professor’s supposed victims, to come forward and aid in resolving the matter.
“As a public institution, UM will not compromise in protecting the safety and welfare of students, staffers and the entire campus community.
“However, UM must abide by laws and regulations to ensure that actions carried out based on reports are fair and just,” it added.
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.
Earlier today, the Higher Education Ministry dismissed claims of UM allegedly being slow to act against the academician, adding that all procedures and rules related to the matter were fully adhered to by the university.
The ministry also confirmed that the professor involved in the case has filed a police report, with authorities conducting an ongoing investigation.
Yesterday, UMFC successfully handed over a memorandum to the university’s management on the alleged sexual harassment incident.
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. – December 21, 2024
