UUM Bans Students From Speaking Publicly Or Attending Events About Vinosiny's Death

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The broad gag order, issued on Friday night, 27 May, effectively bans students from holding any vigils to honour the 20-year-old student and demand justice for her death, reported Free Malaysia Today.

"UUM hopes students remain calm and reminds them not to get involved in any activity or organise activities such as forums or dialogues, or make any statements, speculations, assumptions, or opinions regarding this case," said a notice issued by the UUM vice-chancellor’s (student affairs) office.

Malaysiakini reported that the university has threatened to take disciplinary measures against students who may violate the ban and stressed in the gag order that the matter is still under police investigation.

The gag order comes after UUM gave assurance that it would not cover up the circumstances surrounding the death of the 20-year-old account student at its Sintok campus.

Vinosiny died in her dorm room at UUM's Sintok, Kedah campus last Saturday, 21 May.

According to the victim's father R Sivakumar, the university was being vague and did not tell him what had really happened when they called him to inform him about Vinosiny's death.

"They were just being vague and did not tell me what really happened. Only after I asked if my daughter had any signs of life, did they admit she had passed away," Malaysiakini quoted him as saying last week.

"Her hostel room is sealed now. I did not get to check the conditions there. Even her phone was still locked in the room. The police only passed me her wallet and identification card."

As of now, police have not confirmed the cause of death pending a post-mortem examination.

He wants a thorough investigation "to find out whether they properly maintained the building".

According to Sivakumar, the reason he lodged the report is that he is dissatisfied with the manner in which his daughter died, the safety measures of UUM students, and the handling of her death.

"I urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation, not only to seek justice for my daughter's death but also for all other students at risk of facing the same situation if UUM's negligence continues. UUM has failed to ensure the safety of students and that all facilities provided for students' use are safe and well-maintained," he said, adding that the police report will also be used to initiate legal actions against UUM.

Meanwhile, Sivakumar's lawyer M Manoharan said that UUM must be held liable for criminal negligence.