KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya (UM) has launched an internal investigation following explosive allegations that a professor from its Mathematical Sciences Institute shared nude photos with students and engaged in sexual harassment.
The claims, which have stirred outrage on campus, have prompted calls for swift action and greater transparency from university authorities.
In a statement today, the leading university said it could not provide further details as the case had been referred to the “relevant authorities” for investigation.
It is understood that the “relevant authorities” mentioned in the statement refer to UM’s Integrity Unit.
“UM will continue to monitor developments and remains ready to provide full cooperation with relevant parties to ensure that this issue is handled accordingly,” the statement added.
The development follows a call by the UM Feminism Club (UMFC) two days ago for the university to take a firm stance against sexual violence. The group alleged that the professor in question had shared nude photos with students and engaged in sexual harassment.
According to UMFC, the explicit photos had been printed and displayed around campus as a warning to other students before they were “quickly removed”. The group also claimed that UM had “yet to act” despite previous reports made by students against the professor.
The student organisation further criticised UM for rejecting a memorandum it had submitted on anti-sexual harassment policies.
UM authorities reportedly insisted that the existing policies were “sufficient” and accused students of potentially misusing them to make false accusations.
“If the anti-sexual harassment policies are truly intended to ensure campus safety and prevent harassment, UMFC calls on the university to demonstrate its commitment to these principles by actively investigating this incident.
“The policies should not become mere formalities and the university should not further erode its already diminished credibility,” the group said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the UM Academic Staff Association has urged the university to establish an investigation panel to address sexual harassment allegations transparently and thoroughly.
“To put an end to these allegations and to safeguard the safety of our students and campus community, prompt action by the university management is paramount,” said the association’s president, Lai Suat Yan, in a separate statement.
“If the allegations are unfounded, the management can refute them and take the necessary steps to alleviate the anxiety and concerns of the campus community.
“If the allegations hold merit, it is crucial to investigate the reasons behind the lack of action despite the lodged reports and establish a system to tackle this issue,” she added.
Lai also questioned whether UM’s Integrity Unit had acted in accordance with the university’s Code of Freedom From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment.
She stressed that as one of the first Malaysian universities to adopt an anti-sexual harassment policy, it would be a “travesty” if the policy was reduced to being “merely cosmetic”, given the years of effort behind its creation.
Additionally, she raised concerns about a “viral allegation” claiming that a senior lecturer associated with the investigated professor had denied the allegations while initiating their own inquiry into the matter.
“If this is indeed true, what authority does the person have to do so, especially when it is clear that there is a potential conflict of interest?” she asked. – December 18, 2024