If they start muzzling academicians, who will be next?

Once they achieve tenure, they cannot be pressured to leave their positions as an academician for any reason (well, it’s very difficult to be sacked, let’s just say that).

They can conduct unconventional research, teach in creative ways and make comments based on research and knowledge that they are considered experts in.

Basically, it gives them the confidence and assurance that they are the intellectual elite who have a responsibility to contribute to society without any prejudices.

Of course, to achieve tenure isn’t something easy and simple. The process is long and highly-scrutinised. It takes into consideration peer reviews, superiors, and so much more.

Unfortunately, there is no such system in Malaysia. Hence, our country’s academicians are never free from pressurising factors that can prejudice their work.

A few years ago, Prof. Dr. Aziz Bari was suspended from his position at the International Islamic University and subsequently lost it for statements he made on the politics of the state.

And a few months ago, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohammad Redzuan Othman had to leave his position as UMCEDEL’s (UM Centre for Democracy and Elections) director, allegedly for research findings that were unfavourable.

His post as the dean of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science was also not renewed even though he had been voted for by his colleagues.

This week, Associate Prof. Dr. Azmi Sharom from UM had to appear in court as he was charged for sedition based on a statement he made in a news article regarding the Selangor menteri besar crisis.

All this might give the impression that Malaysian academicians do not have freedom of expression. And if academicians are not given that freedom, how as a society do we progress?

In my humble opinion, be it right or wrong the statement made by an academic, he or she makes it based on the knowledge and experience as an academic.

Other people can then join the debate and discussion, hence creating an environment of intellectual discourse that will lead to a more developed society.

But maybe that is where the danger lies. Creating intellectual discourse and debate among the members of a society could breed dissent. And that, I guess, needs to be avoided at all cost.

So the best first step would be to curb the academicians and intellectuals. Then, the average people in society would not have knowledge to base their thinking on.

Prophet Muhammad once said:

“Whoever conceals knowledge would be muzzled on the Day of Resurrection with a muzzle of fire.”

He also said:

“He is not from my followers, he who does not respect his elders, who does not show mercy to the young and who does not give due right to a scholar.”