UNIVERSITI Malaya today apologised for the controversy arising over the “pro-Zionist” speech of a visiting American academic earlier this week.

It said it had cancelled all programmes and activities scheduled to be attended by the US speaker.

“UM regrets the controversial statements that do not respect public sentiment circulated on social media.

“A comprehensive report on this issue is being prepared, and strict measures will be taken against those found involved in this issue.

“UM takes this matter seriously and apologises to all parties involved,” the university said in a statement.

To prevent such incidents from recurring, it said it was enhancing vetting procedures and guidelines, particularly background checks of people the university worked with.

The university said it continued to support the government’s stance against any ties with Israel and that it fully endorsed efforts to recognise Palestine as an independent state.

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 took down the post following an uproar.

“I have removed the post below for the safety and well-being of my colleagues at UM, whose leadership has responded to a student outcry,” he said.

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

The Higher Education Ministry has directed Universiti Malaya to investigate Gilley’s remarks and why he had been allowed to speak at the event.

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. – April 25, 2024.