UM staff group urges probe on lecturer who 'sent nudes' to students

Summary

• The Universiti Malaya Academic Staff Association (PKAUM) urges an immediate probe into allegations of a professor sending nudes to students, citing the university’s anti-sexual misconduct policy.

• PKAUM emphasises that failure to act undermines years of advocacy for implementing the policy, risking it becoming merely cosmetic and damaging the university’s credibility.

• It stresses the need for a transparent panel to restore trust, address conflicts of interest, and ensure appropriate action is taken if allegations are proven valid.

Universiti Malaya Academic Staff Association (PKAUM) has called for an immediate investigation into allegations that one of the university’s professors has not faced action despite multiple reports of sexual misconduct.

It cited the university’s Code of Free From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment at University Malaya, which stated that sexual harassment cannot be tolerated in any context.

“To ensure justice for all and restore the credibility of our beloved Universiti Malaya, PKAUM urges prompt action to initiate an immediate investigation.

“We urgently appeal to the management of the university to investigate these allegations as provided for under the said Code,” it said in a statement last night.

It also noted that Universiti Malaya is one of the first Malaysian universities to adopt a sexual harassment policy.

“It would be a travesty if this policy becomes merely cosmetic, given the years of effort and advocacy required to put it into place and implement it,” it added.

PKAUM said this in response to allegations that a professor had escaped action despite multiple reports accusing him of sexual harassment, including sending nude photographs of himself to several students.

‘Warnings’ removed

Copies of the purported nude photos allegedly got printed and posted around the campus by unnamed individuals, ostensibly to warn other students about the professor. However, these were swiftly removed.

The Universiti Malaya Feminism Club (UMFC) alleged that the university has yet to act on the professor despite the issue being reported due to his influential position, and several other professors even attempted to defend their colleagues.

PKAUM said an investigation panel must be formed immediately to investigate the allegations in a thorough and transparent manner.

If proven unfounded, then the university management can take necessary steps to refute them and alleviate the anxiety and concerns of the campus community.

If the allegations hold merit, however, then it must investigate the reasons for the lack of action despite reports being made, and establish a system to tackle this issue.

PKAUM also said there are claims that a senior professor in the same department as the alleged offender has denied the allegations and took the initiative to investigate the case.

“If this is indeed true, what authority does the person have to do so, especially when it is clear that there is a potential conflict of interest?” it asked.

Malaysiakini has contacted Universiti Malaya and the professor for comment but has yet to receive a response.

'Focus on sexual harassment, not race,' says UM student group

KINIGUIDE | The new laws on internet and media regulation

Cop's lewd gesture at photographer goes viral, PN wants stern action