A Former MRSM Student Accused A Teacher Of Paedophilia. He Is Now Suing Her For Defamation
Here's everything you need to know about the case.
By Sadho Ram — 01 Apr 2024, 04:36 PM
Recently, a former student of a Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Junior Science College (MRSM) has accused a teacher of being a paedophile
The former student posted the allegations on X, formerly Twitter, last Thursday, 28 March.
She alleged that she had received a disturbing message from a junior at MRSM Tumpat, Kelantan.
"I can't believe that a teacher who is a paedophile, and has been proven to be a paedophile, is still teaching freely in that school. When I was 13, I was warned by seniors that this particular teacher would send dirty texts to you if he found you pretty. And when I was a senior, we had to warn our juniors about him," she wrote.
She also claimed that despite being caught red-handed several times the teacher was still allowed to teach minors.
She also shared screenshots dating back to 2013, allegedly showing the teacher texting with minors in a sexually suggestive manner
The junior told the former student that the teacher allegedly took pictures of the former's underwear.
In the screenshots shared on X, the former student also included alleged conversations between the teacher and students on Instagram and WhatsApp.
SAYS is not publishing the teacher's name to protect the identity of the students, who are minors.
Following the allegations, MARA chairperson Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki informed the former student on Friday night, 29 March, to assure that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter
"A team from MARA [headquarters in Kuala Lumpur] has been set up and will be going down to MRSM Tumpat. In the meantime, the teacher has been suspended until the investigation is complete," he said.
However, MRSM Tumpat has allegedly confiscated the students' phones and instructed them to remain silent to prevent damage to the school's reputation.
The teacher has since lodged a report at the Tumpat police station against the former female student, alleging that she defamed him
Kelantan police chief Muhamad Zaki Harun told the New Straits Times that they have opened an investigation paper for the case under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation.
The case is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or services to make or spread comments online, reported the English daily.
Police have recorded statements from both the former student and the teacher.
"Police have looked at all the contents on their phone, including phones and WhatsApp conversations [...] The police will uncover the truth so that a just and transparent investigation can be conducted," Muhamad Zaki said while urging the public not to speculate on the matter.
Meanwhile, the former student is now seeking legal assistance
According to her, the teacher is suing her for RM3 million for defamation.
"If anyone knows a good lawyer that can do pro bono. Please tell me," she posted.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
