Pusat Janadaya(Empower) urges the authorities of UPM to withdraw its
decision made on November 22, to suspend a second year student, Lee Song
Yong for one-semester. The student was charged with alledged non-cooperation
with the UPM security guard.
On Aug 22, Lee was stopped by security guards at the university’s exit and
was searched. Lee refused to allow his bag to be checked because there was
no explanation forthcoming from the security guard. His student
identification card and notebook was then confiscated by the security guards
who were not in their uniform without his consent.
The suspension by the authorities of UPM is questionable as security guards
have no jurisdiction in university to confiscate or check a student’s bag.
A security guard and his company are hired contractors and have specific
designated tasks, i.e., to take care of the security of the premise. If such
search is neccesary, there should be a written instruction from the
authorities and the university authorities should be the one to search and
can be assisted by security guards.
This case shows that the security guard had exceeded his designated powers
and assumed policing powers which is not guaranteed under any University
laws and regulations. It is also very unfortunate that the University
authority did not take any appropriate action to address and correct the
unfair treatment of the student.
Pusat Janadaya(Empower), therefore urges the authorities of the UPM to
withdraw the decision of suspension of Lee Song Yong immediately. Stern
action should be taken against the security guard who has abused his power.
Finally, there is a need for the Ministry of Higher Education to study and
monitor cases of abuse of power in public unversities.
Ho Yock Lin
Protem Committee
(Please note existing address as follows)
Pusat Janadaya(Empower)
13 Lorong 4/48E, Seksyen 4, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: 03- 7770 1475 / Mobile : 019-3165333
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