The recent leak of a circular allegedly distributed by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) administration is alarming, as it contradicts the essence of intellectual and academic freedom.
This is not a new phenomenon in Malaysian academia. For at least two decades, certain universities have issued similar circulars, reminding academics to seek approval before making public statements and to avoid criticising the university or government.
These directives are typically based on Act 605 (2000), which governs statutory bodies in Malaysia.
The latest circular’s primary objective appears aimed at preventing the university’s academics from expressing informed opinions on matters of national and academic importance in the public domain.
More concerningly, it discourages views critical of government policies or positions on certain issues.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
This effectively restricts academics who may have valuable ideas for societal improvement or visions of an ideal society.
A university’s intellectual vibrancy thrives on diverse opinions and ideas. A truly distinguished institution should treasure the diversity of views as an asset.
Conversely, a collective of conformists would only hinder the institution’s growth and progress. As it is, many academics have no time for dissent, believing they are government (not civil) servants. The bodek, tidak apa, setuju, sokong mentality is a manifestation of that norm.
Public criticism of the circular prompted UKM to issue a media statement assuring the public that it welcomes constructive views from academics that adhere to academic rigour.
However, we argue that determining what is constructive should be left to the academic community and the public. The university’s role is to provide a platform for free expression, not to regulate opinions.
This development is particularly worrying in a broader social context where some elements within and outside the government have shown contempt for dissent and alternative views in recent years.
Such practices were prevalent under the previous Barisan Nasional regime. Now it appears that academic freedom continues to be curtailed to some extent under the current administration – despite its leaders previously advocating for greater freedoms while in opposition.
The implications of accepting such ‘management’ of academic freedom are severe. It could lead to a society where critical thinking and diverse viewpoints are suppressed, creating a populace that is easily moulded to suit political agendas.
Aliran hopes that other local universities will learn an important lesson from this episode. The intellectual freedom of academics should be protected and nurtured – not managed or restricted. We must not revert to the restrictive practices of the past.
It is crucial for the academic community and the public to take a stand against such directives. While some might argue that things have improved in terms of academic freedom over the past decade, incidents like these serve as a reminder that vigilance is necessary to protect and expand these freedoms.
By speaking out and resisting attempts to curtail academic freedom, we can ensure that our educational institutions remain bastions of critical thinking, innovation and progress.
Only through the free exchange of ideas can we hope to address the serious challenges facing society and nurture the next generation of critical, analytical thinkers and leaders.
Aliran executive committee
19 October 2024
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
A University is established to find out the reason why Life is all about. A technological university is for establishing the reason for civilization and development.