Accused of stealing student's research, UM lodges report

 

Universiti Malaya has lodged a police report against allegations that it had stolen the research work of a doctoral student after the student’s story went viral on social media.

Abbod Ali Mohammed Saeed, 34, from Yemen, earlier lodged his own police report and undertook a sworn statement alleging that his two supervisors had used his research for their own commercial interests.

“UM has lodged a police report denying the allegations and is reviewing what legal action can be taken,” it said in a statement today.

The university said it is policy that all research undertaken using its facilities belong to UM.

It added that it had assisted Abbod Ali in completing his doctorate, including extending his study period for a maximum of 12 semesters, under fee sponsorship.

“The university had also held multiple counselling sessions and appointed additional supervisors to assist him.

“However, the candidate was unable to complete his studies in the extension provided,” it said.

'Access revoked'

Abbod Ali’s topic of research was the use of scanning technology in advanced intelligent transportation systems (AITS).

He said his supervisor had offered for the research to be conducted under UM’s research company and for the patent to be shared.

“However, after the research was done in 2017, my password and access to the system were changed and my supervisor said the system now belongs to a company which has nothing to do with UM.”

He said he had reported the matter to the university management, who in turn allowed him access to continue his research for another three semesters.

However, he claimed he was not provided with the tools required, including in the laboratories.

In February 2022, he received a letter from UM terminating his doctoral candidacy citing non-satisfactory progress in two consecutive semesters.

He said the data he accused his supervisors of taking was his work for seven years, even before he started the doctoral course.

“I have spent hundreds of thousands of ringgit on education in Malaysia from undergraduate degree to a doctorate. It has taken 15 years.

“But now I am humiliated, given false information and a false impression has been made about me,” he said. - Mkini