Cops probing student-led presser on UM don accused of sending nudes

Summary

• Police summon four speakers at recent press conference on UM academic accused of sending nude photos to his students.

• UM Feminism Club says they were informed that they had violated the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

• The students’ club questions police interference in campus affairs.

Police are reportedly investigating a student-led press conference over sexual harassment claims at Universiti Malaya (UM) for allegedly violating the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).

The UM Feminism Club (UMFC) said police have called up four who spoke at the presser for questioning.

They are UMFC president Chin Jes Weng, UM gender studies Master’s graduate spokesperson S Indramalar, UM Academic Staff Association exco member Aznijar Yazid, and Wong Xiao You of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The four spoke at a press conference in front of the UM Chancellery Building on Dec 20 over an academic accused of sending nude photos to his students.

They also submitted a memorandum urging the university to take decisive action on the matter.

Strong police presence

In its statement today, UMFC questioned why police interfered with campus affairs, citing a heightened vigilance towards the incident.

“Over the years, neither student unions nor student activists have been summoned by the police for organising rallies or press conferences on campus.

“It is confusing that the authorities have been extra vigilant toward this particular incident from the outset, including deploying a significant number of armed police presence at the press conference.

“Now, they have resorted to invoking the PAA to target those standing in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment,” the club said.

Of the four called in for questioning, one gave their statement last week.

The remaining three will be questioned on Saturday morning at the Brickfields district police headquarters.

The UMFC said police should prioritise protecting public safety and fundamental rights while addressing sexual crimes, rather than wasting resources on investigating those advocating for justice.

“Suppressing individuals who raise these issues does not resolve the underlying problem. Worse still, such actions may discourage the victims from filing police reports against the accused professor.

“If organisations or individuals supporting sexual harassment victims can be summoned today, how can victims trust that the police will not misuse their powers against them?” the club asked.

Academic interdicted

UMFC was responsible for raising the alarm over allegations that a professor sent nudes to students.

This led to a probe, which prompted UM to interdict the lecturer under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000.

“UM will continue to ensure that its campus environment remains safe and conducive, including taking firm action against any party involved in misconduct, regardless of their position or status,” it said.

Cops probing student-led presser on UM don accused of sending nudes

UM says no signs lecturer who 'sent nudes' still going to campus

UM lecturer accused of sending nudes remains on campus, victim claims

UM interdicts lecturer who 'sent nudes' to students