UKM cancels event, bars Hishamuddin Rais from premises

Zaim Ibrahim Zaim Ibrahim Updated 7 years ago · Published on 20 Nov 2018 11:56PM · 2 Comments

Activist Hishamuddin Rais speaking to the media after being denied entry to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He said he was disappointed that academic freedom is still being stifled in the 'New Malaysia'. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, November 20, 2018.

UNIVERSITI Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) tonight cancelled a political discussion organised by student activists on the grounds that it did not have the approval of the administration.

The discussion was to feature social activist Hishamuddin Rais and was titled “Reformasi Struktural: Mahathir vs Anwar lagi”.

Hishamuddin, who had arrived at the venue, was denied entry by UKM security personnel.

Event spokesman Mohamad Azan Safar admitted they had not sought permission from the university administration.

He said two similar programmes had been organised by them without permission from the administration and had gone on without any trouble.

“We never informed them. It was just academic discussion. But it appears Hishamuddin Rais’ appearance had spooked the administration for some reason,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Student activists speaking to a UKM auxiliary police personnel (centre) after Hishamuddin Rais was denied entry to attend a political discussion. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, November 20, 2018.

Hishamuddin said he was disappointed that there are still attempts to stifle academic freedom and intellectual discussion in New Malaysia.

“This should not happen. I believe that a university is a place where there should be freedom for ideas to be exchanged and flourish.

“Whether what is said is accepted or rejected by the student fraternity is another matter altogether,” he said.

Hishamuddin said he hopes Education Minister Maslee Malek will investigate and shed some light on why the event was stopped.

The autonomy of public universities was a key Pakatan Harapan campaign pledge during the 14th general election. – November 20, 2018.

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Comments

  • Whether it is UmnoBN or PH there is always constant fear for intellectual discussions and freedom of speeches on government administartion.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • This is abominable. Please name the individual responsible for imposing this outrageous ban on intellectual freedom. We want to hear Hisham Rais's views, He has always been a breath of fresh air with his sharp insights into political affairs & his zany wit. Nobody is forced to agree with him & everyone is free to dispute his observations. As a mature nation, we do it through debate & discussion, through art & peaceful assembly, through courteous & heartfelt empathy, understanding & loving acceptance of those who do not share our opinions. Now more than ever, the nation needs to come together consciously & outgrow the ego-driven self-destructive tendencies of our own youth.

    Posted 7 years ago by Antares Maitreya · Reply