LETTER TO USM
Cease action against Soh Sook Hwa Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. If you prefer to read our web-based edition, please support our work and make a donation.
Professor Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak Naib Canselor, USM Fax: 04-6565401 Dato' Profesor Madya Jamaluddin Mohaiadin Timbalan Naib Canselor Bahagian Hal Ehwal dan Pembangunan Pelajar, USM Fax: 04-6573761 Dear Sirs Cease action against student Soh Sook Hwa We are deeply concerned to read reports of possible disciplinary action against a final-year student, Soh Sook Hwa, accused of being involved in the campaign for an opposition leader during the March 2004 general election. We fail to see how her actions could have brought disrepute to the university. The Universities and University Colleges Act is widely seen as a major obstacle in the development of a vibrant, dynamic and democratic student movement in Malaysia. It inculcates fear among students, discourages independent thinking, and deprives them of their basic constitutional rights to freedom of thought, of expression and of association. In this respect, if USM is to become a centre of excellence, it must instead encourage students to think critically and to be engaged in the pressing issues of the day rather than to suppress such independent thinking. We therefore urge you to withdraw these accusations and the action against Soh Sook Hwa and to ensure that her civil rights are respected and upheld. We also call on USM authorities to refrain from taking similar action against other students in future and to respect their basic rights as well.
We hope wisdom and good sense will prevail.
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