WE, the alumni of the MA Gender Studies programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Science at Universiti Malaya, are writing with profound distress and a strong sense of urgency regarding the recurring incidents of sexual harassment linked to the university.
Recently, a sexual harassment allegation was made involving a professor from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, who has allegedly been sending explicit photographs and engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour toward multiple students.
On December 17, 2024, the UM Feminism Club brought attention to these allegations, amplifying concerns about the possible presence of other habitual offenders in specific university departments.
The persistent occurrence of sexual harassment within this prestigious institution cannot and should not be tolerated any longer.
This recent case does not exist in isolation. A survey conducted by the UM Feminism Club found that 1 in 5 students had experienced sexual harassment, but only 11.1% of these individuals chose to formally report their experiences.
Over the past few years, several other testimonies of sexual harassment, misconduct, and possible exploitation have surfaced, involving students and staff at the university.
The incidents represent only a fraction of the many sexual harassment cases on campus, including numerous unreported instances driven by students’ fear and lack of confidence in UM’s commitment to addressing the issue effectively.
The repetition of such cases indicates the prevalence of sexual exploitation and the normalisation of rape culture on campus.
These incidents also highlight a broader systemic issue that makes the campus an unsafe environment for women and students, exacerbated by UM’s failure to enforce its existing code of conduct and sexual harassment policies effectively.
Universiti Malaya and the Ministry of Higher Education should take swift and drastic measures to ensure the safety of students and protect them from the risk of harassment.
Our 10 demands are as follows:
1. We urge the immediate suspension of duties for any faculty member accused of sexual misconduct upon the submission of a credible report. This measure is crucial to safeguard the well-being and safety of all students during the investigation.
2. The existing Code of Free from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (Code) needs thorough evaluation and improvement to focus on protecting and empowering survivors, rather than safeguarding the institution’s reputation. The Code must remain survivor-centric. One of the main improvements must be to expedite the timeline for complaint and investigation processes. The review and enhancement of this Code must involve representatives and related student bodies.
3. To protect the student community, we advocate for the public identification of individuals found guilty of sexual misconduct. This action will serve as a deterrent and underline the seriousness with which the university treats these offences.
4. We demand full transparency in the handling of all sexual harassment investigations. All findings should be publicly disclosed, and the process should involve oversight by the Ministry of Higher Education. Involvement of police authorities is also encouraged if deemed agreeable by the complainants.
5. An independent sexual harassment office or ombudsman should be established within the university. This office would operate autonomously from the university administration to ensure impartiality in handling complaints.
6. Immediate and unrestricted access to physical and mental health services should be provided to survivors of sexual misconduct. This support is crucial for their recovery and continued well-being.
7. Implement annual mandatory training on sexual harassment prevention for all university staff and students across faculties, departments, and residential colleges. This training should include practical advice on recognising harassment, mechanisms to lodge complaints, intervening safely, and supporting survivors, as well as highlighting key points of the Code.
8. Establish an external oversight committee that includes alumni, gender studies experts, and legal professionals to monitor the university’s handling of sexual harassment cases and ensure compliance with best practices.
9. Conduct regular independent audits of how sexual harassment complaints are handled, with the results made available to the public to ensure ongoing accountability.
10. The university should publish an annual report detailing the overall findings of the number of complaints received each year, the processes followed, and the outcomes of the investigations. This report would be a vital step toward transparency and accountability.
We stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual harassment at Universiti Malaya, and we demand immediate, decisive action from the university.
It is imperative that all reported incidents are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable in a timely manner.
As one of Malaysia’s leading academic institutions, where the majority of students and staff are women, UM has a responsibility and an undeniable obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of its community, particularly its students.
We also urge the Ministry of Higher Education to enforce stringent measures to curb sexual harassment and abuse of power, especially in cases involving lecturers. The establishment of a secure and equitable academic environment is imperative.
The prevalence of significant barriers that discourage survivors from speaking out necessitates robust support systems that include comprehensive resources such as legal assistance, counselling, and medical care, ensuring survivors receive all necessary support to heal and seek justice.
Without these, the destructive cycle of abuse and silence will persist, undermining the integrity of our educational institutions. — December 20, 2024
The signatories of the above statement are:
1. Ayesha Sofia
2. Davina Kho Siew Ping
3. Fathul Jannah
4. Jayamalar Samuel
5. Harjinder Kler
6. Nadirah Babji
7. Nazreen Nizam
8. Nur Adilla
9. S. Indramalar
Endorsed by 93 individuals and groups:
All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group)
Amirah Mardhiah Abu Bakar (individual)
Amanda Shweeta Louis (individual)
Ana Jonessy (individual)
Animah Kosai, the Speaking Up Network
Ahmad Mustaqim (individual)
Association of Women Lawyers
Asma Mohammed Noor (individual)
Bichara Malaya
CBIB
Choo Chon Kai (individual)
Centre for Independent Journalism
Dayang Nurhazieqa Hamzani (individual)
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
Family Frontiers
Gibbon Conservation Society
Individual – Students
Individual(s) in FASS, UM
Individual(s) in the Ministry of Health
Individuals in Universiti Teknologi Sarawak
Individual(s) in Astro Awani
Initiative for Malaysian Humanitarian (INSAN)
Haslinah Yacob
Hazman Baharom, researcher, Universiti Waseda; lecturer, Universiti JF Oberlin
HAYAT
Ho Yock Lin (President, AWAM)
HUSH Collective
Jamie Yap (Parti Sosialis Malaysia)
Jurnal Sang Pemula
Kamariah Rahmah, Lawyer, UM Alumna
Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)
Kau Ok Tak
Kemban Kolektif
Kinana Media Sdn Bhd
Knowledge and Rights for Young People through Safer Spaces (KRYSS) Network
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall’s (KLSCAH) Civil Rights Committee
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Youth (KLSCAH Youth)
Legal Dignity
Malaysian Doctors for Women & Children
Malaysia First
Malaysian Student and Community of Leeds
Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli (individual)
Matahari Books
Monsters Among Us (MAU)
Muhammad Ariff Isa (individual)
MY FAT SQUAD
Najibah Abu Bakar (translator and book writer, Alumni MLIS UM)
Nur Effa Qamariani (individual)
Nursyukrina Md Khalil (individual)
Othman bin Mohammed Noor (individual)
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA)
Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
Pertubuhan Generasi Aspirasi Pemimpin Wanita Malaysia (GAP.MY)
Pertubuhan Advokasi dan Kesejahteraan Pekak Malaysia
Persatuan Martabat Untuk Semua Petaling Jaya
Persatuan Staff Akademik Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
Pusat Pelajar Marhaen (PPM)
Rachel Tan Mei Chien – Industrial Relations Consultant (individual)
Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM)
Reproductive Health Association of Kelantan
Rubin Khoo
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia [SABM]
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO)
Shakila Zen (individual)
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
Society for Equality, Respect, and Trust for All
SIUMAN Collective
Sisters in Islam (SIS)
StandUp Malaysia
Siti Amah Ahmad (individual)
Safiyyah bin Sunardi (individual)
Shamin Ballazi (endorsing as an individual, Educator, UM Alumnus)
Sya A. (endorsing as an individual, Autistic and Disability Rights Advocate)
Salman bin Sunardi (individual)
Sunardi Janin (individual)
Wan Afifi Zawawie Wan Zakaria
WN Khuzairey (individual)
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
Women’s March Malaysia 2024
University Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY)
Universiti Terbuka Anak Muda
Zakiah Mohd Noor (individual)
Zikri Rahman, Koordinator Program Pusat Sejarah Rakyat
WN Khuzairey (individual)
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
Women’s March Malaysia 2024
University Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY)
Universiti Terbuka Anak Muda
Zakiah Mohd Noor (individual)
Zikri Rahman, Koordinator Program Pusat Sejarah Rakyat