A University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student, who is suing the university for negligence arising from her molest case, lambasted the university for sidetracking from the real issue and instead focused on the peripherial technicality of law.

As reported by The Star this morning, UiTM had called for a press conference yesterday where vice-chancellor Ibrahim Abu Shah had claimed that the student was undergoing industrial training and was staying in the college illegally.

The victim's lawyer, Mohamed Hanipa Maidin and Shah Alam member of parliament Khalid Samad (right) criticised the university's response. pas khalid samad pc on uitm student molested case 270509 03

When contacted, Hanipa revealed that the university authorities are well aware that the complainant was staying at the hostel.

"In fact, we have a letter from the student's friend who informed the university that she will be sharing her room with her friend (complainant)," said Hanipa

Hanipa also clarified that the complainant was on vacation break but was undergoing industrial training at a hotel nearby.

"This hostel (Kolej Seroja) is located close to the hotel. Many students stay in that hostel during their industrial training. It is not only the complainant but many other students let their friends stay over. And the university is aware of this," he elaborated.

He also claim that the issue of whether the complainant stayed on the premise illegally is a "childish reason" on the grounds that the complainant was not a stranger but a student of the institute.

"The real issue is that when you are a student and on university premise you are entitled to protection," he exclaimed.

"Are you saying that just because I am an illegal stayer, it is okay for someone to come in, rape me and the police should just ignore it?"

Not to politicise issue

Khalid Samad, who is also a central committee member of PAS, highlighted the issue on Wednesday as the complainant's mother approached him for assistance.

The UiTM vice-chancellor also questioned the real intent of the complainant, who highlighted her case through a political party.

Khalid told Malaysiakini that there is no attempt to politicise the issue as UiTM is located under his constituency.

"Focusing on the technicalities such as staying illegally and not working to improve the situation is an attempt to virtually put the blame on the student. It is further prove of the (uncaring) attitude of the university."