The looming crisis regarding exam results tampering and favouritism in the promotion of Universiti Malaya academic staff have rendered Dr Hashim Yaacob's position as vice-chancellor untenable.

If there is any truth to the allegations levied against the UM authorities, then it is indeed a serious blemish on UM as an academic institution. The allegations strike at the very chord of what the university strives to attain in producing graduates comparable at least to the very best in Asia.

Tampering the examination results of students is especially a serious matter as it casts a dark shadow on the quality UM's graduates besides depriving the innocent of the recognition they duly deserve.

The recent statement by Hashim that UM academic Edmund Terence Gomez's resignation would not be a loss to UM and the subsequent intervention by the prime minister in the case, further prove that Hashim can no longer remain as UM vice-chancellor.

Any other person in his dilemma would have no hesitation in tendering his resignation. Hashim should do the needful and just resign. This is the most honourable thing for him to do and hopefully it will retrieve at least a portion of whatever reputation he has left.