Zambry orders prompt probe into sexual harassment claims at UM

Summary

• Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir directs Universiti Malaya (UM) to investigate two sexual harassment allegations promptly, stressing zero tolerance for actions violating the law and urging justice for all parties.

• UM Vice-Chancellor Noor Azuan Abu Osman reaffirms the university’s commitment to tackling sexual harassment through its Code of Conduct, whistleblowing policy, and awareness programmes while ensuring fairness in handling complaints.

• UM is cooperating with police investigations and intends to establish an Internal Investigation Committee but calls for victims and those with evidence to come forward to facilitate resolution and safeguard the university’s reputation.

Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has instructed Universiti Malaya (UM) to launch an immediate investigation into two sexual harassment allegations that have tarnished the university’s image.

He added that the university had been instructed not to take the case lightly to ensure justice while stressing that the ministry would not tolerate any actions that violate the country’s laws.

“I have been informed by the UM vice-chancellor (VC) about the measures taken, including those involving legal aspects. I have also been informed that the professor facing the accusations has filed a police report.

“To ensure fairness, let us leave it to the authorities, especially the police, to conduct a thorough investigation,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying in a statement yesterday.

Zambry said he was also informed by the VC that the university had taken the necessary actions, including through the UM Integrity Unit, from the very first day the complaint was received.

“Should the allegations prove to be true, UM must act immediately to restore the university’s image. However, if the report is found to be untrue, UM must also take the necessary steps to safeguard its reputation, as this tarnishes the university’s image in the public eye,” he said.

UM VC: Zero tolerance against sexual harassment

Meanwhile, UM VC Noor Azuan Abu Osman emphasised that sexual harassment is a matter of great concern for the university and assured that any offender would face swift action, regardless of their position or status.

“The University of Malaya takes this issue very seriously. Our commitment is enshrined in the Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment at UM.”

While providing a platform on its website to help victims report incidents of sexual harassment, he said the university has also implemented a whistleblowing policy to encourage the reporting of any misconduct, including sexual harassment.

In a statement yesterday, the VC added that the student affairs department and the integrity unit have been conducting various programmes and activities aimed at raising awareness on this issue.

He said this commitment was further demonstrated when UM engaged with students from the UM Feminism Club, who conducted a survey claiming that one in five students had experienced sexual harassment.

According to the VC, a review conducted with experts in gender studies from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences identified several weaknesses in the survey’s methodology and sampling approach, requiring further scrutiny.

“The University stressed the importance of ensuring the validity and credibility of such surveys to ensure the findings are grounded in solid facts and principles of accuracy.”

He stated the feedback submission session with the UM Feminism Club was held on May 24, 2024 to obtain additional data and evidence.

“However, to date, the materials have not been received by the University.”

The vice-chancellor reiterated that these allegations are serious and that the university would take appropriate action if they were not based on thorough research and verified data.

“I take seriously the allegations from a gender studies alumnus who claimed that one in five individuals at UM experienced sexual harassment. UM must take firm action, including legal measures, if such claims are found to lack reliable data and accurate facts,” he said.

At the same time, he also said UM has been informed that a case involving a professor is under investigation by the police and the university has pledged full cooperation to aid the investigations.

“UM also intends to conduct an internal investigation by establishing an Internal Investigation Committee.

“However, this effort requires solid evidence to proceed. As such, UM calls on anyone with information, especially victims, to come forward to help resolve this issue promptly.

“As a public institution, UM is committed to safeguarding the safety and welfare of students, staff, and the entire campus community.”

However, he emphasised UM must adhere to all legal and regulatory procedures when taking action on complaints to ensure fairness and justice.

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