Vice-chancellor freed of cheating charge

2026-03-09 - 10:04

Judge Elesabet Paya Wan granted the acquittal after the prosecution withdrew the charge against G Jayakumar at the Ayer Keroh sessions court. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: The Ayer Keroh sessions court today acquitted and discharged Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) vice-chancellor G Jayakumar from a charge of deceiving a former colleague into appointing a lecturer for RM20,000. Bernama reported that judge Elesabet Paya Wan granted the acquittal after the prosecution withdrew the charge against Jayakumar. “I feel vindicated and am grateful that the judicial process has concluded and the truth has prevailed,” said Jayakumar in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and am pleased that the court’s decision affirms this. “My focus remains on advancing MUCM’s academic mission and supporting our students and faculty.” The prosecution was represented by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy public prosecutor Sharina Farhana Nor Sa’ari while Jayakumar was represented by lawyers Harvinderjit Singh, Farhan Read and Amirtha MCPirapu. In a statement, Harvinderjit said the charge against his client lacked evidence of intentional deception or dishonest intent. He also noted that Jayakumar did not derive any personal benefit from any payments made, which is a central element required to establish the offence of cheating. The now-withdrawn charge, brought under Section 417 of the Penal Code, alleged that he acted in a manner contrary to his service contract and the university’s regulations in connection with an incident that occurred five years ago.