PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad today reminded university students that there was a place and time for protests, and convocation ceremonies were not it.

He said it was not only disruptive to stage a protest during convocation, it could also cause trouble.

“We have rules and procedures to follow. If we don’t follow them, there would be trouble. What will happen if others at the ceremony want to act against the protesting students?

“They can protest but it has to be at an appropriate place. Don’t disturb an official ceremony,” he said, Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on the actions of 23-year-old civil engineering graduate Wong Yan Ke, who had demanded the resignation of the Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor while on stage to receive his scroll at convocation last weekend.

The university has lodged a police report against Wong, accusing him of not showing respect for the proceedings and breaking protocol. Wong has denied the charges, saying he was making a stand again racism.

UM vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hisham was reported to have made racist comments in his speech at the controversial Malay Dignity Congress. Rahim allegedly said the change of government had reduced Malay political dominance and caused Malay privileges to be questioned.

Rahim also warned the non-Malay communities not to break their social contract with the true inheritors of the land.  

Dr Mahathir today said that the government would not interfere in the matter of Wong and would allow the university to pursue action.

“They (UM) are free to decide on what action they want to take,” he said. – October 16, 2019.