Long way from greater freedom on university campuses

THE Malaysian Academic Movement (Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia, or Gerak) views with deep concern the action of the police in summoning Mohd Akmal Haziq, University Malaya student and UM Student Representative Council president, to the Pantai police station in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 25.

Haziq was evidently summoned for questioning about the demonstration he led within UM’s KL campus on Dec 13. The peaceful demonstration, held in front of UM’s Chancellery, was held to demand from the university better welfare and other student services, like improved student transportation. A 13-point memorandum was submitted by the students. It sounds reasonable enough and is about genuine student concerns, like improved campus security, greater maintenance of campus property, a more frequent shuttle service, and a student-friendly administration.

It certainly didn’t contain anything that warranted police action. So it was shocking to find out that Haziq had been summoned for questioning – on Christmas Day, a public holiday, mind you – an action that smacks of intimidation.

Did the police act based on reports and complaints? If so, by whom? If it was by the university authorities, couldn’t they have instead got together with the students to discuss their concerns rather than act like authoritarian bullies?

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik has consistently urged for greater freedom on our university campuses. This latest episode seems to indicate a reluctance by the authorities to treat a major stakeholder, our students, with respect.

There appears to be a deep intransigence among public university vice-chancellors (VCs) to implement the Pakatan Harapan government’s reformist policies.

Gerak thus strongly urges the Education Minister to impress upon all university VCs the need to keep in step with the government’s reform agenda. Failing which, it may be best for them to resign their positions in favour of others who will.