Universiti Malaysia Sabah will be subjecting Jamhuri bin Mohamed, chairman of Pro Mahasiswa UMSKAL, to disciplinary proceeding for his article entitled “Rampas Kedai: Mahasiswa Serah Memo” published on http://m.harakahdaily.net[1] on February 28, 2014.
According to a notice dated June 17, 2014, the disciplinary proceeding is now fixed for hearing on June 27, 2014. Jamhuri bin Mohamed is now accused of breaching Rule 3(a) of the Educational Institutions (Discipline of Students) Rules 1976: –
“3. A student shall not—
(a) conduct himself, whether within or without the campus, in any manner which is detrimental or prejudicial to the interests, well-being or good name of the Institution, or to the interests, well-being or good name of any of the students, staff, officers, or employees of the Institution, or to public order, safety or security, or to morality, decency or discipline.”
Article 10 of the Constitution of Malaysia guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech. University students are also ordinary Malaysian citizens. They are therefore entitled to enjoy their freedom of speech without any disturbance or interference from the University.
The administration of the University is also subject to public scrutiny. Instead of hunting down the students, what the University should do is explain to the public why they decided to take back management of a student-run shop on campus, which the student group has been operating for 6 years. Educational institutions should be managed in a democratic manner, not tyrannous control!
I urge UMS and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Harun bin Abdullah, to respect the right of expression of their students and to drop the disciplinary action immediately.
At the same time, I repeat my call to set up a select committee in the Parliament so that members of Parliament from the Government and the Opposition can work together to review the University and University Colleges Act and other provisions.