After privacy intrusion claims, USM VC denounces hostel's 'move out' remarks

 

After female students spoke up about spot-checks that invaded their privacy, a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) hostel courted further controversy by saying residents could move out if they were dissatisfied.

The public university’s vice-chancellor Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan later denounced the hostel’s “unprofessional” response.

He also promised that late-night spot-checks at female dormitories by men will not happen again.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Faisal assured that students will not be penalised for their criticism.

“The response (by the hostel management) was uncalled for. The response was not sanctioned by the (university’s) top management...

“We never actually hunted for them (students) or threatened to remove them from the residential college. They are allowed to stay,” he said.

“I told them (hostel) not to simply issue statements. Secondly, it was not professional and emotional (of them to say that). We would not say that,” he added.

Faisal explained that the spot check had been conducted to ensure hostel residents were abiding by the rules. It was also to check for “squatters” - people who were not meant to be living there.

He stressed that late-night spot checks will not happen again, nor will the male warden involved in last month’s raid on female residents be allowed to do so again.

Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan

“I will take action if this happens again...

“I have told them that no spot check should be done in that manner. The particular person is not involved in any more spot checks,” he said.

Want privacy? Live elsewhere

Last week, several anonymous students took to a Facebook page named “USM Confession” and alleged that members of the dormitory management had infringed their privacy by conducting late-night spot checks.

One claimed a male warden opened the doors of female residents’ rooms without knocking or giving prior notice.

Another said she was partially dressed when her door was opened.

Following the complaints, the management of hostel “Desasiswa Saujana” said on May 30 that it was within its rights to conduct spot checks at “any time” without prior notice.

It also identified the male warden as Ahmad Sofwan Nathan Abdullah and said he was assisted by four women during the raid.

It stressed that the team had knocked before opening residents’ doors.

“If you want your privacy and do not want to be tied down by the rules of the hostel, you are welcome to come to the office, return your key, and empty your room.

“You can rent a house outside USM because then, your privacy will be guaranteed. And you will not be awakened by the sound of someone knocking on your door when you are asleep...” the hostel management remarked.

- Mkini