Manipal U hails acquittal of top officials, urges respect for privacy
2026-03-18 - 07:32
Manipal University College Malaysia says it considers the matter ‘fully resolved’ and urges that the privacy and professional reputations of the individuals concerned be respected. (Manipal University pic) PETALING JAYA: Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) has welcomed the acquittal of its vice-chancellor and two senior officials from criminal charges involving the alleged misuse of the institution’s email system, saying the resolution will allow them to resume their duties freely. “MUCM is pleased that the judicial process has now brought finality to this matter, enabling the individuals concerned to continue their academic and professional responsibilities without further encumbrance,” the institution said in a statement to FMT. The Melaka sessions court yesterday acquitted and discharged MUCM vice-chancellor G Jayakumar and senior officials K Dachaini and J Lavanya from the case, after the prosecution withdrew the charge against them. “MUCM considers the matter fully resolved and respectfully urges that the privacy and professional reputations of the individuals concerned be respected,” the statement read. It said the institution remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and good governance. Lawyer Harvinderjit Singh, who represented the trio, told FMT the acquittal had vindicated his clients and restored their professional reputations. The now-withdrawn charge, brought under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, had alleged that three MUCM officials sent a purportedly improper internal email to a student in connection with an e-sports competition. The prosecution withdrew the charge after three police reports linked to the case were retracted following legal representations made by the defence team. The prosecution was represented in court yesterday by deputy public prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin. Lawyers Farhan Read and Amirtha MCPirapu also appeared for the defence.