KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations of sexual harassment involving a professor at Universiti Malaya (UM) are being taken seriously by both the university and the Higher Education Ministry with swift action promised against any misconduct or breach of procedures.
The ministry issued a statement confirming that the university is fully addressing the issue.
“The university does not take such reports lightly,” the ministry said yesterday. “The university’s integrity unit is actively conducting an investigation. All relevant procedures and regulations are being fully complied with and the university has specific guidelines and regulations regarding the issue of sexual harassment.”
The ministry also emphasised that appropriate measures are in place to protect the rights of all parties involved, and it has been informed that the individual concerned has filed a police report.
Authorities are also conducting their own investigation, and the ministry affirmed that no compromise would be made in upholding the law.
Previously, it was reported that UM Feminism Club, in a statement, alleged that a professor had sexually harassed his students by sending inappropriate pictures of himself.
The statement added that while reports had been lodged against the lecturer, no action was taken.
In a separate statement, UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman stressed on the university’s commitment to handling the case swiftly, regardless of the individual’s position or status.
He assured that the university would cooperate fully with law enforcement and conduct an internal investigation through the establishment of an internal investigation committee, pending the collection of sufficient evidence.
Noor Azuan also urged anyone with information, especially victims, to come forward and assist in resolving the issue.
“As a public institution, UM will not compromise in safeguarding the safety and welfare of students, staff, as well as the entire campus community. However, we have to comply with all laws and regulations when taking action on each complaint to ensure that it is carried out fairly and equitably.
“We will continue to ensure that the university environment remains safe, fair and conducive for all,” he said.
Following a survey submitted by the UM Feminism Club, which claimed that one in five students at UM had experienced sexual harassment, Noor Azuan said the university reviewed the findings with experts from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
“Some weaknesses exist in the methodological and sampling aspects which need further research. We insist that it is important to assess the validity and credibility of this survey to ensure that the findings are based on solid facts and principles,” he said.
Noor Azuan emphasised that the allegations are a serious matter and the university would take appropriate action if the information is unsupported by comprehensive research and authentic data.
