Media Statement

Poisoned Minds and Propaganda

We regret that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has lambasted university lecturers over their role in the political awakening of many university students. In his typical rhetorical style, he also accused them of having "foreign connections", which he did not identify.        

Why is lecturers' consciousness-raising called "poisoning students' minds" while government information is called "guiding " and "telling the truth "?

Academia should be a place where contests of ideas and ideologies should be encouraged. Most students would welcome forums and debates that feature academics and politicians to sharpen their minds and be exposed to all shades of views.

Obviously the dominant political power defines what acceptable "education" is and appears to have a monopoly over truth and morality. The state so dominates the universities that even the slightest dissenting view is considered 'poisoning' students' minds.

The Education Minister himself appoints the Vice Chancellors in all state-run universities unlike elsewhere in the region - in Thai public universities and even in Indonesia, for instance - where it is not uncommon for faculties to participate in the election of rectors. In the past, the Senate, comprising professors and teaching staff representatives, was the main decision-making body but now all power has been centralised with the V-Cs.

Local universities, like many of their foreign counterparts, should have autonomy - all the more so since they are publicly funded - so that political interference can be thwarted if it jeopardises academic integrity and credibility.


Aliran Executive Committee
21 July 1999