FridayOL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 – Universiti Malaya (UM) is facing fierce backlash from student activists after the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) abruptly cancelled a planned forum and documentary screening focused on assembly rights. The move has been widely condemned by student group Mandiri, who are accusing the university administration of stifling freedom of expression and undermining student autonomy.

The forum, scheduled for this week, was intended to showcase a documentary exploring the legal framework surrounding peaceful assembly in Malaysia, alongside discussions on recent challenges faced by student activists advocating for greater democratic participation. Mandiri had been diligently organizing the event, securing speakers and promoting it to the wider student body.

However, just days before the scheduled date, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor intervened, citing concerns about the potential for disruption and the need to maintain order on campus. This decision has been met with widespread anger and disappointment among students, who view it as a blatant attempt to suppress dissenting voices and control the flow of information.

“This is a clear demonstration of UM’s administration’s unwillingness to engage with critical issues and to respect the rights of students to express their views freely,” stated a spokesperson for Mandiri. “The reasons given are vague and unsubstantiated, and the timing of the cancellation is particularly troubling, given the ongoing national conversation about democratic reform.”

The controversy highlights a broader concern about academic freedom within Malaysian universities. While universities are often presented as bastions of intellectual inquiry, students and academics alike have frequently reported instances of censorship, restrictions on campus activities, and pressure to conform to official narratives.

Critics argue that such actions undermine the very purpose of higher education, which should be to foster critical thinking, encourage debate, and prepare students to be engaged and informed citizens. The cancellation of the forum and documentary screening has reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability within UM’s administration, and for a stronger commitment to protecting academic freedom.

Mandiri has vowed to continue its advocacy for student rights and to challenge what they perceive as the university’s increasingly authoritarian approach. They are exploring alternative platforms to share the documentary and facilitate discussions on assembly rights, emphasizing their determination to not be silenced. The group has also called on other student organizations and civil society groups to join them in demanding greater respect for academic freedom at UM and across the country.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of universities in a democratic society and the importance of protecting the rights of students to express their views, even when those views are critical of the authorities. The outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for the future of academic freedom and student activism in Malaysia.