Aliran is alarmed that what constitutes an intellectual inquiry by a students’ group has been turned into a subject for police investigation.
Police reports have been lodged, particularly by the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS), against the University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) president Tang Yi Ze’s statement suggesting that the matriculation system be replaced by STPM (Year 13 school exams) as the only standard for admission into public universities.
On Saturday, however, Umany clarified it had not intended to call for the complete removal of the matriculation programme, but sought a merger of the programme with STPM as a single university entrance qualification.
The organisation admitted that its use of the word “abolish” in its earlier statement had caused confusion and upset certain groups, and apologised for any misunderstanding.
The case, however, is reportedly being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements likely to cause ‘public mischief’.
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Aliran believes such an issue should have been handled with civility by groups such as GPMS in a manner expected of people with some degree of educational background.
Making police reports would obviously not help enlighten anyone involved as it prevents the opportunity for people to discuss the matter within the framework of academic freedom and freedom of expression.
We believe this represents a troubling restriction on freedom of expression and public opinion regarding public policies, with non-governmental actors attempting to censor or control the narrative by instilling fear through police reports.
Individuals and civil society organisations should have the right to express their views and suggestions aimed at addressing and improving public policies that affect them. Using police reports to silence legitimate political participation undermines democratic discourse.
If matriculation is a system that is flawless and fair, groups like GPMS should be confident enough to engage in intellectual discourse rather than resort to police reports over what appears to have been a misunderstanding about educational policy proposals.
The use of criminal investigations to address policy disagreements sets a dangerous precedent that could deter future public participation in important national discussions.
This incident raises serious questions about the state of educational discourse in Malaysia. Rather than pursuing criminal charges over calls for a more just educational system, the authorities should investigate the underlying concerns about educational fairness and lack of selection transparency that prompted such discussions.
Silencing civil discussion about important educational policies is a form of crude censorship that Malaysia can do without – particularly when the original statement has been clarified and an apology offered.
Aliran executive committee
17 September 2025
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
the authorities should investigate the underlying concerns about educational fairness and lack of selection transparency that prompted such discussions.
Silencing civil discussion about important educational policies is a form of crude censorship that Malaysia can do without –