PMUM leader Fahmi Zainol speaking at a forum in November. He condemns the latest action by the UM to muzzle its students and lecturers. – The Malaysian Insider pic, January 8, 2015.Universiti Malaya has come under fire for prohibiting its staff from organising any political activities, with a former student leader saying it showed that the varsity felt threatened by the growing support its employees lent to student activism.Fahmi Zainol, one of eight students dubbed the UM8 punished by the university for organising a talk with opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year, said the circular issued by UM was, in fact, a "good sign"."The university has come to fear the increasing support among its staff towards student activism. This is a sign that they are afraid of 'unity' between lecturers and undergraduates in activism on campus," the UM Undergraduates Association (PMUM) former president told The Malaysian Insider.Fahmi was referring to the support PMUM received from several of its lecturers, including law professor Dr Azmi Sharom, who had backed the Anwar programme and criticised the university for its "antagonistic stance" against its students."The university is now worried about the growing student activism and is fearful of its staff supporting the students," said Fahmi, who was given a two-semester suspension for his role in the talk involving Anwar."I hope now other lecturers will come to see that the varsity's long list of rulings are irrelevant and will stand up to the administration."Fahmi, who is the founder of youth movement Anak Muda Harapan Malaysia, also noted that the university's directive did not make any sense as there were several courses on politics being offered in the university."If they want to prohibit their staff from organising any political activites, then they should also do away with courses on politics, such as political science and Islamic politics."These courses encourage discussion on politics, and students and lecturers have to do political activities as part of the requirements of the course. What do they do now?" he asked.In a circular dated December 23, 2014, UM said that it had noticed the active involvement of its students and staff in political activities of late."In relation to that, the university views seriously any behaviour, attitude and actions that do not care about, preserve and defend the sovereignty and dignity of the country as well as respect and obey the laws," the circular said."It is an obligation for Universiti Malaya staff to give their loyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, country, government and Universiti Malaya at all times."The circular, which was issued by the Registrar Yusoff Musa, prohibited UM staff – even those on study leave, on seminar or courses in the country or overseas – from being actively involved in organising political activities.Law lecturer Azmi, who is the president of UM’s Academic Staff Association (PKAUM), also criticised the circular, pointing out that the freedom of expression, association and assembly were protected under the Federal Constitution."UM staff are subject to the protections provided for in the Federal Constitution, in particular the freedom of expression, association and assembly," he said."Therefore any infringement of the rights of any UM staff member shall be opposed by the union (PKAUM) on the grounds that by virtue of the Constitution any action taken by the university has to be bound by the limitations and protections set out in the Constitution."PMUM president Mohamad Ammar Atan, meanwhile, said the prohibition was issued in a rash manner without a proper study and was based on a misguided understanding of the meaning of politics on the university's part."We suggest that they look into what is really meant by 'political activities' as the scope is too wide. This is important to ensure we do not close the academic doors to Malaysia's No 1 university," he said in a statement, urging the administration to withdraw the circular immediately.Ammar also poured scorn on the varsity's contention that political activities could lead to staff being disloyal to the King, country, government and university, questioning if even discussing the government's budget or public policy could also be taken as being disloyal."The question of loyalty to the King, government and the university cannot be denied but does that mean that any activities or action that is seen to be against the government and university could be labelled as disloyal and treacherous?"Is it an offence then to organise political activites such as discussions on the 2015 budget, public policies, national and environmental issues and political science?" he said. – January 8, 2015.
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