PETALING JAYA: An investigation panel must be established to probe sexual harassment allegations involving a professor against his student, says the Universiti Malaya Academic Staff Association.
Its president Dr Lai Suat Yan said that prompt action by the university management is also crucial to put an end to the allegations and to safeguard the campus community.
“History has demonstrated that if prompt action is not taken, situations such as the sexual harassment case involving the orthopaedic head of a public hospital in the Klang Valley in our own backyard or the sexual assault and rape case involving Harvey Weinstein overseas can escalate, potentially leading to a perpetrator with numerous victims when the allegations are founded.
“If the allegations are unfounded, the management can refute them and take the necessary steps to alleviate the anxiety and concerns of the campus community,” she said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 18).
Previously, it was reported that UM Feminism Club (UMFC), in a statement, had alleged that a professor had sexually harassed his students by sending inappropriate pictures of himself.
The statement added that while reports had been made against the lecturer, no action was taken.
Lai said the allegation was even more serious given the unequal power relationship between the student and the professor.
She said the university had stated in its "Free From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Code" that such an act could be seen as an abuse of power.
“For the record, UM is one of the first universities in Malaysia to adopt a sexual harassment policy, and it would be a travesty if this policy becomes merely cosmetic, given the years of effort and advocacy required to put it into place and implement it.
“If the allegations hold merit, it is crucial to investigate the reasons behind the lack of action despite the lodged reports and establish a system to tackle this issue,” she added.
