UNIVERSITI Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has expelled a student after finding him guilty of disciplinary offences linked to sensitive issues involving religion, race and royalty, underscoring a strict stance against conduct deemed harmful to public harmony.

Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Yatimah Alias said the university’s student disciplinary committee reached the decision following a hearing held on March 9, concluding that the student had breached institutional regulations.

“Based on the proceedings, the student was found guilty and has been expelled under Rule 58 of the Universities and University Colleges (UMPSA) Student Discipline Regulations 2024,” she said in a statement.

She stressed that the action should serve as a cautionary example to both students and staff, urging greater responsibility in behaviour to safeguard the institution’s reputation.

“UMPSA will not compromise on the spread of content that incites hatred related to 3R issues, which can trigger racial tension and threaten public harmony,” she added.

The student, identified as S. Vikneswaran, 21, is also facing criminal proceedings.

On March 3, he was charged at the Kuantan Sessions Court with allegedly insulting the Quran and posting offensive content on social media.

Despite the charges, he has pleaded not guilty to both counts, and the case remains before the court.

The university’s decision reflects a zero-tolerance approach towards content and actions that risk inflaming sensitivities surrounding 3R issues, particularly in a multicultural society where such matters are closely scrutinised. – March 24, 2026