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LETTER | Robert Maynard Hutchins (1899-1977), former Fellow of Yale Law School and the University of Chicago, has stressed that “there is only one justification for universities, as opposed to professional schools. They must be centers of criticism.” .
Universities are sacred ground where dissenting views must be encouraged and conventional wisdom questioned. It is refreshing and welcome to note that the students of Universiti Malaya (UM) are persevering in these efforts, although they are not welcomed by many misinformed and misguided people.
In that regard, we emphasize our concern and strongly condemn the continued harassment of the president of the University Malaya New Youth Association (Umany), other student leaders, executive members and, by extension, the UM Student Union body.
We noted the multiple police reports filed against them repeatedly in recent days, the confiscation of electronic items, and the intimidation and harassment they suffered.
It is disappointing that the current UM leadership does not respect and practice the consecrated academic freedom and autonomy, which is expected to be enshrined in universities, as reflected in the press release from its Corporate Communications Office to investigate UM students. for your comments on the role of the monarchy in the context of our Constitution and the recent political unrest with the imminent possibility of a state of emergency and the Budget Bill that has great implications for the future of our beloved country.
Students are stakeholders in a functioning university and, by extension, the future of the nation. Students contribute directly to UM. However, students are not allowed to educate themselves as befits a comprehensive education and in the spirit of the Malaysia Education Plan 2015-2025.
The blueprint indicates that the attributes of thinking skills that the higher education system needs to instill in its students include the following: “Appreciates diverse opinions, is able to think critically, and be innovative” as part of its goal of preparing them for the job.
As a nation, students must have space to practice what the academic institution has professed and preached, that is, nurture and encourage them to think critically. Furthermore, freedom of expression is guaranteed by article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
The university is a place to encourage the thinking and contribution of members of society. We should be proud that UM students are highly versed in the country’s Constitution, that they take an active and avid interest in their country.
Time and again, the relevance of higher education institutions has been questioned. UM has been known as number one in Malaysia since time immemorial and has given birth to Malaysia’s great student leaders. The current KMUM, above all else, has risen like the phoenix in the Covid-19 era and has been continually helping, providing food and aid to deserving students during this pandemic.
The UM student body is already doing the work expected of the fine citizens of this nation. Umany, being one of the three arms of the UM Student Union, has also diligently and conscientiously carried out numerous social and welfare projects for the rakyat of this country.
We would like to remind UM and the nation that these student leaders, who have the ability to analyze and think critically, are the future of Malaysia.
Let us live up to the spirit of academic freedom and the Malaysia Education Plan 2015-2025 to nurture students with critical thinking, rather than punishing those students for making this aspiration a reality.
This letter is signed by several concerned academics from Universiti Malaya.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author / contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
