[UPDATED] Talks in universities: Anwar says all for it, unless...

SHAH ALAM – Anyone is free to deliver talks in university campuses but has to adhere to two conditions – prior notice must be given to the education institution and contents must not have elements of disharmony.  

This is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s response to a question on a recent incident where a dialogue session involving Muda’s Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman on exploitation of interns was called off by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said while he is open to allowing in-campus talks and that they should not be barred, these must be in adherence to all existing rules.

Chiefly, he said, he would not compromise on any issues that threaten to incite racial tension.

“About this (Syed Saddiq) issue, I have read about it. I would like to say, when we give leeway, there are also rules (to be adhered to). And you must inform the university (about the details).

“It’s like entering a house. We are open, but you must inform,” he said at a dialogue session with the UiTM student representative council here today.

“You must respect two matters. First, you must inform (the university) so the location and situation is under control. Secondly, ensure there are no elements that can jeopardise campus harmony. These, we cannot tolerate.”

Anwar was asked for clarification by a student representative who touched on Syed Saddiq’s recent remark – that the prime minister respects the right of students to freely criticise the government and education institutions – and whether this remains. 

Previously, on March 29, it was reported that UiTM had called off a dialogue session involving Syed Saddiq just a day before it was scheduled to be held at its Shah Alam campus.  

The interactive session titled “Interns Are Not Free Labour”, which is part of a broader topic focusing on the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971, was organised by Muda’s affiliated body, Mahasiswa Demokratik.  

UiTM said it had cancelled the programme on the grounds of maintaining campus harmony, and also to focus on spiritual programmes in the month of Ramadan.  

The following day, Syed Saddiq held a press conference in Parliament saying the cancellation of the dialogue went against the spirit of the government’s Malaysia Madani concept.  

He further claimed that the action was an attempt to block his programme calling for the repeal of Auku.  

“What is the use of giving them the right to vote if they cannot even engage in basic political participation (and) peaceful dialogue?” the former youth and sports minister had said.  

It is understood UiTM later agreed to hold the programme at a future date. – The Vibes, April 7,