THE Higher Education Ministry has directed Universiti Malaya to investigate the “pro-Zionist” remarks of by a visiting American academic earlier this week.

Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir urged local higher education institutions to exercise caution when selecting speakers for their events.

He ordered the university to cancel all other programmes featuring the US academic.

“Although universities have autonomy when it comes to organising their intellectual programmes, it doesn’t mean they have absolute freedom. We must consider local sensitivities.

“Plus, decisions made by universities must be in line with the government’s stance and policies.

“I have instructed UM to probe into the matter and provide the ministry with details,” he said in a statement.

Portland State University’s political science professor Bruce Gilley caused outrage when he posted part of his speech at a UM event in which he had accused local politicians of advocating for a second Holocaust.

Gilley had made the remarks in his keynote address entitled “Will Malaysia become an active middle power?” on April 23.

He said a country whose political leaders “advocate for a second Holocaust against the Jewish people will never be a serious player in world affairs and will certainly never be a friend or partner of the US.”

He had also cited a comment by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu that “Israel will soon disappear” as an example of an anti-Jewish remark.

Gilley subsequently took down the post following an uproar.

“I have removed the post below for the safety and wellbeing of my colleagues at UM, whose leadership has responded to a student outcry.

“The quote from my keynote address reflects my views alone. I regret the harm I have caused to my academic colleagues,” he said.

Among those who had criticised him was Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, who said Gilley’s statements were misleading and unacceptable.

“His statements are falsely depicting Malaysia’s aim and goals towards peace for an independent Palestine state,” Amira said on X yesterday.

“Academic institutions should be very careful in inviting speakers and lecturers who are spreading pro-Zionist narratives.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” she wrote. – April 25, 2024.