Malaysia’s Cradle investigates official over alleged sexual harassment

Malaysian tech agency Cradle is investigating one of its officials for alleged sexual harassment, people with knowledge of the matter told Tech in Asia on condition of anonymity.

Sources say the investigation, which is ongoing, was triggered after a Cradle staff submitted a report to the agency, claiming she was harassed between October 2022 and June 2023.

This publication is withholding the name of the official and complainant. However, Tech in Asia understands that as of press time, the official has been suspended to facilitate the probe.

According to sources, the complainant’s report includes a timeline and screenshots of WhatsApp conversations between her and the official.

Based on excerpts seen by Tech in Asia, the complainant’s report detailed not just sexual harassment but also other claims including manipulation and abuse of power.

The complainant alleged that these actions began as early as her “first month on the job” and continued for months. The official, she said, persistently expressed romantic feelings for her despite being rebuffed.

A Cradle spokesperson tells Tech in Asia that the claims are being “investigated at the highest level,” which includes the board, but declined to comment further to “protect the privacy of all parties involved.”

The agency is also committed to ensuring a safe and respectful work environment, the spokesperson added.

Cradle falls under the purview of Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. A ministry representative is a member of the agency’s board.