KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has relieved Profesor Dr Roshana Takim of her teaching duties effective today in light of the recent controversy.
The university's Communications Department, in a statement said this was to ensure an investigation into the matter could be carried out in an effective and orderly manner.
"UiTM, through the University Board Meeting held on March 31 has decided to relieve Professor Dr Roshana Takim from her teaching duties starting April 1 until the university completes the investigation," the statement read.
It further said the university viewed seriously any party that disseminates confidential information either intentionally or unintentionally, which could affect the varsity's image and reputation, as well as threaten the safety of its students, academics and staff members.
"UiTM will also not hesitate to take firm action and report to the authorities if there are parties who share misleading postings (on social media or messaging applications).
"The university is always vigilant (sentiasa cakna) and concerned for the well-being of its academics and students."
The Communications Department added that the university would strengthen the role of lecturers and improve teaching policies and ethics at all levels of study.
"The Lecturers' Professionalism Monitoring (PRO-PENS) (where an academician will be assessed on their capabilities and performance) conducted randomly each semester would also serve as an additional element in an academic's promotion process as well as in the renewal of contract service."
The controversy involving the aforementioned educator started when a nearly two-minute-long video of her in an online class admonishing a student was shared on social media.
Professor Dr Roshana in the video had questioned a student on why he did not own a computer, despite already being in his fifth semester.
The lecturer also allegedly touched on students being in the bottom-40 (B40) group, and questioned the financial abilities of the student and his family.
UiTM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor in a statement on Wednesday said the university has taken action against the lecturer.
Roziah also advised any UiTM students facing issues to contact their faculties or the university to obtain appropriate advice and help to continue their studies.
On Thursday, the university's internal investigation document was leaked online.
The document, detailing personal details of the students involved and supposed findings of the investigation into the matter was picked up by several media outlets, alleging that the university had come to a conclusion and was considering two responses to the incident.
A UiTM's Communications Department spokesperson when contacted yesterday told the NST that the news portals had referred to "the wrong document" citing "incorrect information" concerning UiTM's handling of the issue.
"The wrong document was referred to, and it was not an official or public document. The investigation is still ongoing," the spokesperson had said, adding that UiTM had lodged a police report over the leaked internal probe document.
While the viral footage had earned the ire of netizens, some of the Dr Roshana's former students had taken to Facebook, TikTok and Twitter to voice their sympathy and send their prayers to the professor, who they recalled to be a "dedicated but stern" educator.