Gender studies alumni stand against sexual harassment at Universiti Malaya

KUALA LUMPUR: We, the alumni of the MA Gender Studies programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Science at Universiti Malaya, are writing with profound distress and a strong sense of urgency regarding the recurring incidences of sexual harassment linked to the university. Recently, a sexual harassment allegation was made involving a professor from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences who has allegedly been sending explicit photographs and engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour toward multiple students.

On December 17, 2024, the UM Feminism Club brought attention to these allegations, amplifying concerns about the possible presence of other habitual offenders in specific university departments. The persistent occurrence of sexual harassment within this prestige institution cannot and should not be tolerated any longer.

This recent case does not exist in isolation. A survey conducted by UM Feminism Club found that 1 in 5 students had experienced sexual harassment, but only 11.1 % of of these individuals chose to formally report their experiences. Over the past few years, several other testimonies of sexual harassment, misconduct, and possible exploitation have surfaced involving students and staff of the university.

The incidents represent only a fraction of the many sexual harassment cases on campus, including numerous unreported instances driven by students' fear and lack of confidence in UM’s commitment to addressing the issue effectively. The repetition of such cases indicate the prevalence sexual exploitation and normalisation of rape culture on campus.

These incidents also highlight a broader systemic issue, that make the campus an unsafe environment for women and students which is exacerbated by UM's failure to enforce its existing code of conduct and sexual harassment policies effectively.

Universiti Malaya and the Ministry of Higher Education should take swift and drastic measures to ensure the safety of students from being at risk of harassment.

Our 10 demands are as follows:

1. We urge for the immediate suspension of duties for any faculty member accused of sexual misconduct upon the submission of a credible report. This measure is crucial to safeguard the well-being and safety of all students during the investigation.

The existing Code of Free from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (Code) needs thorough evaluation and improvement to focus on protecting and empowering survivors, rather than safeguarding the institution's reputation. The Code must remain survivor-centric. One of the main improvements must include to expedite the timeline for complaint and investigation processes. The review and enhancement of this Code must involve representatives and related student bodies.

To protect the student community, we advocate for the public identification of individuals found guilty of sexual misconduct. This action will serve as a deterrent and underline the seriousness with which the university treats these offences.

We demand full transparency in the handling of all sexual harassment investigations. All findings should be publicly disclosed, and the process should involve oversight by the Ministry of Higher Education. Involvement of police authorities is also encouraged if deemed agreeable by the complainers.

An independent sexual harassment office or ombudsman should be established within the university. This office would operate autonomously from the university administration to ensure impartiality in handling complaints.

Immediate and unrestricted access to physical and mental health services should be provided to survivors of sexual misconduct. This support is crucial for their recovery and continued well-being.

Implement annual mandatory training on sexual harassment prevention for all university staff and students across faculties, departments and residential colleges. This training should include practical advice on recognising harassment, mechanisms to lodge complaints, intervening safely, and supporting survivors, as well as highlighting key points of the Code.

Establish an external oversight committee that includes alumni, gender studies experts, and legal professionals to monitor the university's handling of sexual harassment cases and ensure compliance with best practices.

Conduct regular independent audits of how sexual harassment complaints are handled, with the results made available to the public to ensure ongoing accountability.

The university should publish an annual report detailing the overall findings of the number of complaints received each year, the processes followed and the outcomes of the investigations. This report would be a vital step toward transparency and accountability.

We stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual harassment at Universiti Malaya and we demand immediate, decisive action from the university.. It is imperative that all reported incidents are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable in a timely manner.

As one of Malaysia’s leading academic institutions, where the majority of students and staff are women, UM has a responsibility and an undeniable obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of its community, particularly its students. We also urge the Ministry of Higher Education to enforce stringent measures to curb sexual harassment and abuse of power, especially in cases involving lecturers.

The establishment of a secure and equitable academic environment is imperative. The prevalence of significant barriers that discourage survivors from speaking out necessitates robust support systems that include comprehensive resources including legal assistance, counselling and medical care, ensuring survivors receive all necessary support to heal and seek justice. Without these, the destructive cycle of abuse and silence will persist, undermining the integrity of our educational institutions.

Signed by:

1. Ayesha Sofia
2. Davina Kho Siew Ping
3. Fathul Jannah
4. Jayamalar Samuel
5. Harjinder Kler
6. Nadirah Babji
7. Nazreen Nizam
8. Nur Adilla
9. S. Indramalar

Endorsed by:

1. All Women's Action Society (AWAM)
2. AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group)
3. Amirah Mardhiah Abu Bakar (Individual)
4. Amanda Shweeta Louis (Individual)
5. Association of Women Lawyers
6. Bichara Malaya
7. CBIB
8. Centre for Independent Journalism
9. Dayang Nurhazieqa Hamzani (individual)
10. Department of Anthropology and Sociology
11. Family Frontiers
12. Individual - Students
13. Individual(s) in FASS, UM
14. Individual(s) in Ministry of Health
15. Haslinah binti Yacob
16. Hazman Baharom, penyelidik, Universiti Waseda; pensyarah, Universiti JF Oberlin
17. HAYAT
18. Ho Yock Lin (President, AWAM)
19. Jamie Yap (Parti Sosialis Malaysia)
20. Jurnal Sang Pemula
21. Kamariah Rahmah, Lawyer, UM Alumna
22. Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)
23. Kau Ok Tak
24. Kemban Kolektif
25. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall’s (KLSCAH) Civil Rights Committee
26. Legal Dignity
27. Malaysian Doctors for Women & Children
28. Malaysia First
29. Monsters Among Us (MAU)
30. Najibah Abu Bakar (penterjemah dan penulis buku, Alumni MLIS UM)
31. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
32. Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA)
33. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
34. Pertubuhan Generasi Aspirasi Pemimpin Wanita Malaysia (GAP.MY)
35. Pertubuhan Advokasi dan Kesejahteraan Pekak Malaysia
36. Pusat Pelajar Marhaen (PPM)
37. Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM)
38. Reproductive Health Association of Kelantan
39. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia [SABM]
40. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
41. Sabah Women's Action Resource Group (SAWO)
42. Shakila Zen (Individu)
43. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
44. Society for Equality, Respect, and Trust for All.
45. SIUMAN Collective
46. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
47. StandUp Malaysia
48. Shamin Ballazi (endorsing as an individual, Educator, UM Alumnus)
49. Sya A. (endorsing as an individual, Autistic and Disability Rights Advocate)
50. Wan Afifi Zawawie bin Wan Zakaria
51. WN Khuzairey (Individu)
52. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
53. University Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY)
54. Universiti Terbuka Anak Muda
55. Zikri Rahman, Koordinator Program Pusat Sejarah Rakyat

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The press statement is issued by the alumni of the MA Gender Studies programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Science at Universiti Malaya

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