UNIVERSITI Malaya has suspended a lecturer accused of sexually harassing a student, said Vice-Chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim today.

He said an investigation was carried out immediately after the varsity received a complaint, and the lecturer in question referred to the disciplinary board.

The action taken is in line with the Code of Conduct of Statutory Bodies.

Rahim said the institution understands the student’s concerns.

“UM is ready to take the relevant action to lessen the emotional burden faced (by the student).”

He said the varsity is bound to its code of conduct, which stipulates that the privacy and confidentiality of those involved must be protected.

“UM would like to emphasise that we take complaints seriously, including the sexual harassment report involving a student and a staff member. We have developed several initiatives and programmes to prevent sexual harassment on campus.”

He added that UM is committed to improving the said initiatives and programmes. – July 16, 2020.