Punishing UM8 not a wise move, says student organisation

The sentence meted upon the eight University of Malaya (UM) students for organizing a campus speech titled “40 years: from UM to prison” is not a wise move as student activism will continue despite the pressures imposed on them, says a student organisation.

Ikram Siswa President Marwan Abdullah in a statement said that the sentence was against the spirit and philosophy of a university as it should be a space where freedom of expression could be practiced.

"This action (punishing the students) is contrary to the spirit and philosophy of the establishment of universities in which it should be a space for students to speak on current issues especially in line with academic freedom campaign as part of the International Student's Day, launched on November 17," he said.

Marwan added, no untoward incidents were reported soon after the event held October.

"In fact, studies continued as usual," he said.

On December 9, UM found seven of its eight students involved in the organizing of the speech last October, guilty, and was given stern warning.

Their studies were also suspended and a penalty was also imposed.

Among the students suspended for two semesters included UM Pro-Mahasiswa president Safwan Shamsuddin and UM students union president Fahmi Zainol.

Fahmi had earlier been charged with nine counts including organizing illegal gatherings, attending an illegal gathering and disobeying university directions

UM, in an official statement, stated that the decision was made in accordance to the University of Malaya (Discipline of Students) Rules 1999.