Legal letter to student group to protect uni’s image, says UM

 Universiti Malaya says students can voice opinions responsibly, but its name and identity must be used in line with rules to protect the university’s reputation.

Universiti Malaya said the legal letter was part of its corporate identity management process.

PETALING JAYA:

 Universiti Malaya has defended its decision to issue a cease-and-desist letter to a student group, saying the move is aimed at protecting the university’s image and reputation.

In a statement, UM said the letter was issued after complaints from students and the public who felt the group’s actions could harm the university’s reputation.

“The letter is part of UM’s corporate identity management process, aimed at ensuring that the use of the university’s name and identity complies with established rules and guidelines,” it said.

The university added that the measure was meant to avoid any confusion over the status of an organisation or movement using its name.

“UM respects students’ right to voice their opinions responsibly. At the same time, the use of the university’s name and identity must comply with regulations and safeguard the university’s good name,” it said.

The statement follows a press conference earlier today by Liga Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (LMUM), whose president said the group had received a letter ordering it to stop using the university’s name and logo.

LMUM president Ammar Daniel Noor Irwan said the group was accused of breaching UM’s trademark rights by using the name “Universiti Malaya” as part of its name and on its social media platforms.

He said the March 6 letter, issued through legal firm Azmi & Associates, gave the group seven days to sign a letter of undertaking acknowledging UM as the owner of several registered trademarks, failing which the university reserved the right to sue.

Ammar questioned why UM chose legal measures instead of dialogue, and said the letter required LMUM to admit it was not a registered society and had used the university’s intellectual property without consent.

LMUM deputy president Ahsanul Akmal Sulam described the move as an intimidation tactic, saying the group had limited funds to seek legal representation.

He said the seven-day deadline had added pressure on the group, which was still looking for legal representation. - FMT