YOURSAY 'The show-cause letter itself was uncalled for, but this suspension of the professor is insane. Aziz Bari has simply pointed out the facts. But facts are distasteful to the powerful.'

University suspends law professor Aziz Bari

Pemerhati: This is Umno's tried-and-tested strategy to remove or ‘turn over' any person who exposes Umno's crooked ways.

Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad removed Chandra Muzaffar from Universiti Malaya because he used to be critical of Umno. Chandra has since been turned over and he now tries to justify PM Najib Razak's hypocritical and farcical 1Malaysia.

Abdul Aziz Bari has been a thorn in Umno's flesh because of his logical and rational opinions on how Umno's kangaroo courts have come up with ridiculous judgments, especially in the Perak constitutional crisis case.

Najib and Umno must have pressured the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) authorities to take this unwarranted, unjustified and despicable action.

Jesse: It is part and parcel of an academican's function to provide opinions and comment on various issues within the purview of his expertise. It is a disgrace that those who run UIA do understand this simple fact.

That is what happens when a corrupted system permeates into the heart of the nation so much so that the pseudo-academics managing the university feel the need to suck up to authorities.

Those running such institutions of higher learning have generally been appointed based on criteria other than ability and scholarship. What can we expect? A bunch of people who have little understanding of the real academic environment.

No wonder, we do not have thinkers in our tertiary institutions, only ‘suckers'. In the developed world, there would have been nationwide outrage at this sort of childish action.

We should strongly condemn such actions and support Aziz's right to speak on legal matters, being a professor of law.

Ben-ghazi: This is indeed a sad day for the academia. Our academics cannot even make comments based on their knowledge and expertise.

So, where are our universities heading now? Forget about being listed in the top 100 or even top 1,000 in the world. All academics are required to support BN by being dead silent when anything bad surfaces in our community.

Just sing praises for the government and the royalty, and you are safe.

Foo: You don't even allow a law professor to express his view on legal matters, so please tell who is qualified to do so?

Only Umno, Perkasa and like-minded NGOs? And we still hope our universities will improve on its world's ranking?

Gerard Samuel Vijayan: This is victimisation and intimidation at its worst. It says a great deal about the level of academic freedom in our universities.

Since he was issued a show-cause letter, why must he also be suspended? The presumption of innocence means that the rules of natural justice must be observed. The professor is not guilty until a domestic inquiry decides otherwise.

Since when does objective criticism of the Malay rulers from an academic perspective become a criminal offence or a breach of the university staff rules? Are the Malay rulers above God and the law?

Did the professor call for the monarchy to be abolished or the ruler to be replaced? No. So why is the university reacting to political pressure and trying to silent the professor.

The UIA is largely funded by Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries not just by the BN government, so why is Umno instigating this injustice towards the professor to serve its narrow political agenda, which is to capture Selangor at all costs?

Ksn: The show-cause letter itself was uncalled for, but this suspension of the professor is insane. Aziz Bari has simply pointed out the facts.

But facts are distasteful to the powerful. But prof, please fight this and the public is behind you for any help you need.

The ruling dictators with no regard for the law and any sense of fairness will pay a heavy price for this and other criminal acts of theirs.

Faz: It's a sad day for intellectuals - being punish for voicing out their opinions. Hang in there, Sir. May Allah give you the strength to champion the truth as a professor without needing to be an MP.

Anoymous: It's very disgusting to hear that such a drastic action was taken against Aziz Bari as he himself had stated that he was not against the royalty in anyway. Why such a move to nail him without giving him the benefit of doubt?

It will look bad for Malaysia internationally that even an expert cannot comment on the truth. What a shame and this will definitely make him an icon or hero to the public. I myself think highly of Aziz Bari and may God bless him.

Onyourtoes: It is pointless to say that what the UIA, the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) or the police did to Aziz Bari are in violation of human rights, free speech, academic freedom and the rule of natural justice.

I sincerely believe Prof Bari has chosen to "venture out" despite the risks and the stifling environment in which the country is subjected to at the moment.

What he did is commendable, not because he had said something earth-shattering. It is commendable because he did something even full-time politicians and those aspiring for national leadership would not dare to venture.

That explains the extraordinary and pervasive measures being taken against him. It must be nipped in the bud before the flowers bloom. Is Prof Bari one single sparrow? But one single sparrow does not the spring make.

49boybum: All major revolutions recorded in history are seeded directly or indirectly from the universities. Reputable universities are autonomous and not influenced by any external factors.

These are uncompromising attributes among the top universities in the world. These incidents happening in our beloved country clearly demonstrate why our universities are not ranked among the top universities.

We as a nation are governed by desperate, self-centred and greedy elites which are prepared to compromise the entire nation to stay continuously in power.

The brave professor has given his views and it is up to others to agree or otherwise. This is how you develop the overall intellectual capabilities of a nation. What the current leadership is assuming is that the people are ignorant, and above all, submissive.

We got news for those in power that as a nation, we will not bow down. Enlightened and brave people like the respected professor will rise every day.

Anonymous_3f35: Prof, thank you for standing up and expressing your opinion, I'm sure many students and citizens will be inspired by it and do the same.

It's important to express your opinion without fear or favour. Every time you compromise you lose a part of yourself, your dignity, your honour and your self-worth.

As for you, prof, I'm certain there is plenty of gainful things to do that will benefit your family, country and humankind. Kudos to you and my sincere thanks.

Temenggong: What kind of universities can we have when the authorities undertake actions like this? The intellectual mind is being stifled.

They have not understood that a university is supposed to be an 'independent republic' within the campus. Expect our university rankings to drop even further. Prof Bari should go to NUS (National University of Singapore) instead of wasting his time with intellectual midgets in this country.

Henry Hock: I think those who want to be lawyer do not need to study under good law professors. Just learn the law from the sultans, MCMC, the police and the muftis. They know better.

Multi Racial: What Aziz Bari did was merely to explain the constitution. He is either right or wrong. For those who think he is wrong, please give your own clarification and explain why.

I do not see anything wrong with his statement. In fact, we welcome such an opinion. Professor Aziz Bari, we are very sorry what those in power did to you. It is our fault for voting the wrong politicians into power. We shall make amends at the next general election.

SusahKes: By the way, where is the prime minister? Too busy preparing for the Manchester United vs Manchester City game?

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