KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya (UM) has suspended a professor accused of sharing nude photos of himself with students.
In a statement, the university confirmed that the suspension was carried out under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605).
“Universiti Malaya will continue to ensure that its campus environment is safe and conducive by taking stern actions against anyone who committed acts of misconduct, regardless of their positions and status,” said the statement.
The suspension comes after student protests led by the UM Feminist Club (UMFC) on December 20. The group submitted a memorandum to the university’s management, alleging sexual harassment involving a professor from its Mathematical Sciences Institute.
The memorandum highlighted multiple allegations of harassment against the professor and criticised UM’s apparent delay in addressing the complaints, calling it a “disregard for students’ rights.”
“Similar incidents date back to 2020, with poor handling by (UM’s) administration leading to media exposure. The media’s bureaucratic approach and ineffective anti-harassment policies have left some cases unresolved,” the memorandum stated.
The document also urged UM to immediately suspend the professor, arguing that his continued presence could “intimidate witnesses or affect evidence” during investigations.
Additionally, the memorandum called for reforms to UM’s anti-sexual harassment policies, stating the institution has “failed to protect students and hold offenders accountable.”
In a statement issued on December 16, UMFC alleged that explicit photos of the professor had been printed and displayed around campus before being “quickly removed.”
The group also criticised the university for rejecting a memorandum it submitted in March on improving anti-sexual harassment measures.
UMFC president Chin Jes Weng claimed the professor had lodged a police report against a student accused of distributing the nude photos around campus. The police report also alleged defamation by the student group.
The case has sparked widespread attention, prompting calls for UM to take decisive action to ensure a safer campus environment. – December 23, 2024