Malaysia’s public universities still lack free speech

The stifling of free speech and expression at public universities is a symptom of politicization. Loyal political appointees and technocrats have prevented the relaxation of freedom of expression at universities., at a time very different to the BN years prior to 2018. This has become over zealous when the Election Commission deputy chairman Azmi Sharom was also prevented from speaking to students at Universiti Malaya.

What is also worrying about the recent episode is that the students themselves have been complacent over university actions to cancel the event. University actions have not been challenged. This should have caused outrage. Relative silence to authoritarian suppression of free speech makes it easier for authorities to suppress other events practising free speech in the future.

When the public remain complacent about the suppression of free speech, this allows authorities to undertake illegal actions without accountability. Governments treat silence as consent, and then can behave unchecked and unhindered until, in extreme cases atrocities are committed.

Free speech and outrage is the last line of defence against government over zealousness. Take that away and government may go out of control.

Free speech should be nurtured in universities to develop a creative environment. This is one of the major pillars of democracy. This should be allowed to permeate across into general society.

This should be the legacy of the late royal professor Ungku Aziz and Syed Hussain Alatas.