UM denies rejecting group's demand for sexual harassment committee

Universiti Malaya has denied dismissing a student group’s request to set up an anti-sexual harassment committee.

However, in a statement to Malaysiakini, the varsity suggested that the Universiti Malaya Feminism Club (UMFC) submit a formal application to the Students’ Welfare Department (SWD).

“We have not rejected the request to set up the committee. Instead, we advised the students’ union to submit an official request with the terms of reference to the SWD,” the statement read.

On May 24, UMFC accused the university of rejecting its memorandum to establish an anti-sexual misconduct committee and amend the the institution’s code of conduct during a meeting held on May 23.

UMFC president Chin Jes Weng claimed that not only did the university deny the group’s request, its representatives at the meeting were also ignorant and said students do not know what constitutes sexual harassment.

In the memorandum feedback document sighted by Malaysiakini, UMFC proposed amendments to several sections, including stricter action against staff involved in sexual harassment cases.

Universiti Malaya Feminism Club members with a memorandum seeking to establish an anti-sexual misconduct committee

The university yesterday confirmed meeting with UMFC and said it had responded to all of the group’s requests, including the demand for an amendment to the current code of conduct.

Diverting attention

UM noted that its Zero-Tolerance Code for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment was amended in 2021 with input from stakeholders and experts, including the police.

The university added that as a statutory body, any matter related to disciplining staff, including punishment, is governed under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000. Therefore, any amendments must be consistent with the relevant act.

In an immediate response to UM’s latest statement, Chin questioned why the memorandum could not be considered an application to the SWD, the varsity’s representatives also attended the meeting.

“What the SWD always does is divert the attention to change the subject. It didn’t change the fact that they did not want to set up the committee.

“And they did agree that they rejected our request to amend the current code of conduct,” she told Malaysiakini.

Chin expressed doubt that UMFC’s formal application would be handled properly due to the university’s bureaucracy, as the institution stated that the application must be submitted under the students’ union.

“This is ridiculous because all students are considered student union members,” she pointed out. - Mkini