‘ Probe alleged sexual harassment, plagiarism’

> Patriot urges govt to safeguard UPNM standards

PETALING JAYA: The government needs to act quickly to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and plagiarism at the National Defence University (UPNM), said Patriot president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji ( pix).

He said the association views seriously the reports regarding the sexual harassment of a female lecturer and the plagiarism case of a student, saying the Defence Ministry and Education Ministry need to get to the bottom of this.

He said the responsible ministers must take quick action against those responsible, irrespective of their position.

“Both cases allegedly involved senior university officials and coverups. UPMN is the pride of the armed forces. Standards, discipline, and quality of education cannot and must not be compromised. Those appointed to be lecturers, including those seconded from the military, have to be qualified,” he said in a statement yesterday after reports emerged about the allegations.

Mohamed Arshad said there must not be any sub-standard teaching and marking of assignments and exam papers.

He added plagiarism among students and academics must be viewed as taboo with zero tolerance.

“The currying of favour culture among academics and staff of the university must stop.

“Towards this end, it is of utmost importance to appoint people with calibre and integrity to the positions of vice-chancellor, deputy vicechancellors and deans of faculties.”

He urged the Pakatan Harapan government to set a high standard of discipline, professionalism and adopt a nononsense attitude towards sub-standard teaching and education.