UUM walks back gag order, allows solidarity events for Vinosiny

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today walked back on a gag order barring students from speaking or attending events in regards to deceased student S Vinosiny.

In a clarification today, it said solidarity events were allowed, but that students should be mindful of their actions.

"The university does not prohibit any students from being involved in any activities to show solidarity with the death of the late Vinosiny.

"However, the university advises students to be mindful in any action, as the case is still under investigation by authorities," said UUM's corporate communication department in a statement today.

The statement was responding to a statement last Friday (May 27) by the UUM vice-chancellor’s (student affairs) office.

The office had issued a broad gag order to students, barring them from "being involved in any activity or organising activities such as forums or dialogues, or making any statements, speculations, assumptions, or opinions" regarding Vinosiny's death.

It threatened students with disciplinary action if they defied the ban.

The ban came ahead of vigils and student dialogues regarding Vinosiny's death.

Vinosiny (above), 20, had died in her dorm room at UUM's Sintok, Kedah campus on May 21.

The accounting student is suspected to have suffered a fatal electric shock, something which the family claims is backed up by injuries on her body and the post-mortem findings.

UUM has been accused of not being forthcoming regarding the circumstances of her death.

Her father has lodged a police report against the university citing possible negligence by administrators.

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