A More Subtle Academic Gag?

Aliran is perturbed by the Education Ministry’s seemingly relentless efforts to gag academics from communicating with the public through the press, particularly on the smog.

The Ministry’s secretary-general, Dr Johari Mat, assured everyone that the new circular was not meant to gag academics. But by prescribing the restrictive procedure that academics have to go through before they can voice their informed opinions, the Ministry is effectively and subtly curbing academic freedom.

For one, to remind academics that their findings must be verified by peers and ‘cleared by research sponsors’ before being publicised is really to monitor and to restrict the intellectual activities of the academics. This implies that they have to receive the approval of others before they can speak out. Invariably, they would have to get the clearance of the authorities as many academic research projects are funded by government or government-related bodies. All this means that academics still do not have the right to articulate their views independently.

Second, the Ministry's emphasis on ‘quality findings’ can be equated with the kind of research that only provides good tidings. We would argue that a responsible piece of research is one that relentlessly pursues truth without fear or favour.

Third, the new circular once again insults the intelligence of academics as it implies that they are not aware of their responsibility to their profession and to their country.

If anything, the latest circular may once again provide ample fodder for tomorrow's headlines in the international media and invite unnecessary criticism and cynicism.

Aliran Executive Committee
15 November 1997