Nurture knowledge and open minds

been our preoccupation instead of STEAM or STREAM where subject matter related to religion, ethics, arts and management are as important to articulate science and technology as a comprehensive transdisciplinary knowledgebased subject.

Otherwise science and technology are no more than utilitarian subjects to solve mechanical problems devoid of human touch. For that matter why only engineering and maths, when the role of life sciences and biological-based subjects are creating new explosive inroads into the world of biomimicry. Like it or not, these are all reflective of the selective “closed mindedness” to true knowledge-seeking behaviour even as we pay lip service in promoting borderless education and learning.

As we talk about media freedom we are short on academic freedom. We still ban books because the authorities find it unpalatable. We are still not discussing the authority of ideas but held back by ideas of authorities with their antiintellectual slant. Hence the promise to repeal Universities and University Colleges Act, which was hurriedly amended and implemented in 1974, must come within the 100-day deadline.

In short, while we applaud the suggestion to remove all physical barriers into the campuses, it must be seen simultaneously as a suggestion to remove all forms of mental-intellectual barriers to the acquisition of knowledge in the real sense of the word as universally practised. As we advance into a truly democratic New Malaysia we must not fail to celebrate and nurture knowledge democracy at the same time through our education so as to further sustain the country’s sovereign future. If not opening up the campus can be ironic where people move in and out for purposes other than to devour knowledge. Worse if the opening of gates is seen by some as an opportunity to intrude, transgress and trespass with a mindset that remains archaically closed.

Comments: letters@thesundaily. com