MELAKA: The Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh here has acquitted and discharged Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) vice-chancellor Prof Dr G. Jayakumar after the prosecution withdrew a charge against him under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Also acquitted and discharged were MUCM head of student affairs K. Dachaini and counsellor J. Lavanya.
The three had previously been charged in connection with an internal e-mail relating to the e-sports game Mobile Legends.
In a statement, MUCM said the prosecution decided to discontinue the proceedings following legal representations made by defence lawyers Harvinderjit Singh, Farhan Read and Amirtha MCPirapu, as well as the withdrawal of three police reports linked to the case.
Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah subsequently granted a full discharge and acquittal, bringing the matter to a close on Wednesday (March 18).
Harvinderjit said the outcome vindicated the position consistently maintained by those involved and restored their professional standing.
MUCM also said it welcomed the conclusion of the judicial process, noting that it allowed the individuals concerned to continue their academic and professional duties without further encumbrance.
"MUCM considers the matter fully resolved and respectfully urges that the privacy and professional reputations of the individuals concerned be respected," the statement added.
The private higher education institution said it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and good governance while fostering a culture of openness, mutual respect and professionalism in accordance with the law.
