Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Governance Structure
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recognises the critical role of institutional leadership in fostering a culture grounded in equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights.
Legal Officer’s Core Responsibilities Include:
i) Advising the University Executive and Senate on matters related to equity, non-discrimination, and human rights;
ii) Coordinating and supporting the implementation of inclusive policies, programmes, and training across faculties and departments;
iii) Monitoring compliance with relevant Malaysian legislation such as:
>> Federal Constitution (Article 8) – Equality before the law,
>> Employment Act 1955 – Equal opportunity in the workplace,
>> Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and
>> Malaysian Human Rights Commission Act 1999;
iv) Reviewing campus climate, collecting disaggregated data, and reporting on trends and interventions related to equity and inclusion;
v) Collaborating with the Human Resource Division, Student Affairs Department, and the Legal Office on institutional responses and continuous improvement.
ii) Coordinating and supporting the implementation of inclusive policies, programmes, and training across faculties and departments;
iii) Monitoring compliance with relevant Malaysian legislation such as:
>> Federal Constitution (Article 8) – Equality before the law,
>> Employment Act 1955 – Equal opportunity in the workplace,
>> Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and
>> Malaysian Human Rights Commission Act 1999;
iv) Reviewing campus climate, collecting disaggregated data, and reporting on trends and interventions related to equity and inclusion;
v) Collaborating with the Human Resource Division, Student Affairs Department, and the Legal Office on institutional responses and continuous improvement.
Link to Staff and Student Disciplinary Committees
The Staff Displinary Committee and Student Disciplinary Committees play a critical role in the enforcement and accountability mechanisms related to this policy.
The Legal Advisor’s Office will maintain a consultative and referral relationship with these committees in the following ways:
i) Referring confirmed breaches of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for appropriate disciplinary consideration;
ii) Providing expert recommendations and context to disciplinary panels on incidents involving discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation;
iii) Ensuring that disciplinary procedures are consistent with the principles of fairness, confidentiality, and natural justice;
iv)Assisting in post-disciplinary restorative measures such as counselling, re-training, or reconciliation efforts, when appropriate.
The Legal Advisor’s Office will maintain a consultative and referral relationship with these committees in the following ways:
i) Referring confirmed breaches of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for appropriate disciplinary consideration;
ii) Providing expert recommendations and context to disciplinary panels on incidents involving discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation;
iii) Ensuring that disciplinary procedures are consistent with the principles of fairness, confidentiality, and natural justice;
iv)Assisting in post-disciplinary restorative measures such as counselling, re-training, or reconciliation efforts, when appropriate.
By integrating the work of the Legal Advisor’s Office with the Staff and Student Disciplinary Committees, UMS ensures a coherent, responsive, and legally sound framework for addressing violations of the University’s commitment to equality and inclusion.