(SEAPA/IFEX) – The following is a 22 February 2006 statement by the Centre for Independent Journalism, SEAPA’s partner in Malaysia: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned over the actions taken against undergraduate students of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang for expressing their opinions on critical issues, including those that challenge the validity of […]
(SEAPA/IFEX) – The following is a 22 February 2006 statement by the Centre for Independent Journalism, SEAPA’s partner in Malaysia:
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned over the actions taken against undergraduate students of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang for expressing their opinions on critical issues, including those that challenge the validity of the campus electoral processes.
In recent years, campus polls to elect student council members have resulted in overwhelming victories for the groups inclined to support the university establishment. Several students’ groups have boycotted campus elections over alleged irregularities and unfair practices.
Five students were recently accused of issuing press statements and distributing leaflets protesting this state of affairs in September 2005, activities prohibited under the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) of 1971. The accused are expected to be called for a hearing on 27 February 2006.
The UUCA is one of many laws that curb freedom of expression in Malaysia, and has been used extensively to control student activities. Those breaching the terms of the Act can be expelled.
On 21 February – following what has become common practice among similarly accused students over the last two years – the five students submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, requesting that the body oppose the disciplinary action being taken against them by the university authorities as a violation of their right to freedom of expression, a right guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
The CIJ views the continued legal threats directed against students as an effort to silence critical thought and dissent. Malaysia cannot claim to be a democracy when an important segment of its society is consistently harassed and threatened for practising its constitutional rights. CIJ calls on the Ministry of Higher Education and the universities involved to repeal the prohibitive provisions of the UUCA with a view toward creating space for free expression among students.
