UTM professor wins bid to quash dismissal, but no reinstatement yet

The Johor Bahru High Court has ordered the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to reassess the dismissal of associate professor B Malarvili, after finding the disciplinary process to be procedurally unfair. The court set aside the disciplinary committee's decision on November 29, 2024, which upheld eight charges against Malarvili and kept her dismissal effective from June 4, 2024.

The High Court ruled that UTM must re-examine the case, provide relevant evidence, allow Malarvili to submit further arguments, and consider additional investigations or witness testimonies. However, the ruling does not equate to Malarvili's innocence, as the court did not mandate her reinstatement, salary restitution, or damages.

The judge emphasized that the right to be heard should be a genuine opportunity rather than a mere formality. Malarvili, who worked at UTM's Skudai campus for 21 years, faced multiple allegations, including the use of a scanned signature on a supporting letter, unauthorized overseas travel, irregular attendance records, UNISERF program-related activities, and alleged involvement in outside business. UTM and the two disciplinary committees were also ordered to pay Malarvili RM15,000 in costs.