Universities, Academic Freedom and Social Responsibility

Aliran welcomes Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent call for the removal of all barriers to academic freedom and the provision of badly needed democratic space in universities.

This liberalisation, he rightly pointed out, would go a long way towards  developing an intellectual tradition and a culture of critical thinking. It would also be crucial in lifting institutions of higher learning - especially those seeking to become centres of academic excellence - to new heights.

We concur with Anwar that universities - society’s conscience as he puts it - will suffer with intellectual conservatism and passive thinking, which breeds  a culture of false pride and self-deception. Such delusion can undermine the intellectual health and political development of society at large.
 
What is urgently needed is greater democratisation and liberalisation in institutions of higher learning, where dissent and debate should be highly regarded and not perceived as intellectual irritation. A free and positive atmosphere in universities will also strengthen the democratic process in the country and pave the way towards a civil society.

Aliran therefore calls on Anwar to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act, which has suppressed liberalisation and retarded intellectual development in society. In its place, he should introduce a University Charter -  laying out the rights and responsibilities of students and academics - to restore academic freedom and university autonomy.
 

Dr Mustafa K Anuar
Executive Committee member
21 March 1998