The Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) has called for the resignation of UM vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim (above) over his alleged negligence in handling sexual harassment claims made against a lecturer.
In a statement, Umany alleged that Abdul Rahim's reported response, citing unspecified actions taken against the accused, was an attempt to "cover-up" the reported cases of sexual harassment against students.
"The vice-chancellor had been brave and bold to lodge police reports against students of Universiti Malaya when they protested against racism.
"Now, the question is, why can't he do the same when students of Universiti Malaya become victims of sexual harassment at the hands of a lecturer? Why cover things up?" Umany asked.
"Umany urges the vice-chancellor to resign, to make room for organisational reforms in the Integrity Unit and Disciplinary Committee.
"Only when the root of the cause is addressed, can there be a better change in Universiti Malaya," they stressed.
Abdul Rahim yesterday revealed that UM had taken actions against the lecturer involved, although no details were revealed on the nature of punishment, citing privacy concerns.
According to the student involved, the lecturer had touched her inappropriately and uttered lewd comments on June 3, 2019, at his office in UM.
She lodged a formal complaint against him with the UM Integrity Unit - a division under Abdul Rahim’s jurisdiction - on July 1, 2019.
The student further decided to lodge a police report on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction with the university’s refusal to disclose what punishment was handed to the professor.
A punishment that would have little effect
Umany further noted that justice would have not been served in the case, as it is understood that the verdict was to punish the professor with a demotion, and it was only delivered after his retirement last month.
"If so, such a verdict would only result in a lesser retirement pension and affect one's future career, which is irrelevant in today's case.
"Such a punishment would have little effect on the lecturer who still has a high-income payroll to live off the rest of his life comfortably," Umany said, noting that the UM integrity unit in the course of its investigation had contacted many other students who were also alleged victims of the lecturer.
"Has justice been served? Or will others follow suit by making use of such a procedural loophole?" it further questioned.
Under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000, the list of punishments that a disciplinary committee can impose includes issuing a warning, a fine, forfeiture of emoluments, deferment of salary movement, reduction of salary, reduction in rank and dismissal.
Overall, Umany said, the UM administration had failed to deliver a verdict that will act as a deterrence for future offenders, or even stop the perpetrator from seeking revenge.
Malaysiakini had earlier already contacted the associate professor concerned for a response. He has not, till now. - Mkini
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