UM confirms probe on lecturer who 'sent nudes' to students

Summary

• Universiti Malaya confirms probe on allegations of sexual misconduct against a university professor and vows full cooperation.

• This follows UM Feminism Club’s claim academic escaped action despite multiple reports accusing him of sexual harassment.

Universiti Malaya today confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against one of the university’s professors.

The university administrators also confirmed receiving a report from the UM Feminism Club that highlighted alleged inaction against the professor despite multiple reports of sexual misconduct.

“UM at this time cannot comment further as the matter has been referred to relevant authorities for investigation.

“UM will continue to monitor the developments and is ready to offer full cooperation to parties concerned and ensure this issue is handled appropriately,” said the university in a statement today.

The statement did not mention the relevant authorities but Malaysiakini understands investigations against the professor are being carried out internally within UM.

Yesterday, the Universiti Malaya Academic Staff Association (PKAUM) cited the university’s “Code of Free From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment at Universiti Malaya” - which stated that sexual harassment cannot be tolerated in any context - to call for an immediate investigation into the allegations.

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

Previously, the UM Feminism Club - a student body - alleged that a professor had escaped action despite multiple reports accusing him of sexual harassment, including sending nude photographs of himself to several students.

The club claimed that several copies of the professor’s alleged nude photographs were recently printed and pasted around campus by unnamed individuals.

This was said to be an attempt to warn other students about the professor. However, the posters were swiftly removed.

Malaysiakini has previously contacted the accused professor for comments.

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