University Malaya (UM) is cultivating a "culture of fear" by taking action on the students involved in organising a gathering on campus, says Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar.

Mahfuz said UM's decision to suspend two students - former student union president Fahmi Zainol and student Safwan Shamsudin - encourages a culture opposite of learning and discussion.

"Instead of having discussions and interactions, this institution is building a culture of fear and producing fearful people," he said today at the PAS headquarters.

Mahfuz ( right ) added that by using such a technique, the students will continue to be fearful, never questioning and always following.

"The higher education institution must go through a reformation process to be able to produce citizens that are big-hearted and courageous.

"We shouldn't feel threatened with the young people. They are a valuable asset," he pointed out.

Mahfuz, who is also the PAS information chief, said that UM should not drag the institution down to the era of stone age.

Fahmi was suspended for two semesters and slapped with a fine of RM600, while Safwan was suspended for a month effective immediately.

Fahmi ( right ), Safwan and six others - dubbed as the 'UM8' - faced disciplinary hearing for organising an event on Oct 27 featuring Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Pas welcomes eminent Malays

On a mother issue, Mahfuz said that he welcomes the open letter submitted by ’25 eminent Malays’ urging the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to show some leadership.

"The anxiety which they expressed in their letter clearly shows that they are very concerned by how Islam is being blatantly used by some parties to justify their actions," he said.

He added that their anxiety also indicates the weaknesses in Najib's administration and Barisan Nasional in the issues of religion.

Among the 25 listed in the letter were Abdul Rahim bin Haji Din, former secretary general from the ministry of home affairs and Ahmad Kamil Jaafar, former secretary general of the ministry of foreign affairs.

The whole issue is made worse by the appearance of "ultra Malay Islam" NGOs who are only damaging the image of Islam, he said.

"PAS welcomes the suggestion for discussions to enlighten people on the misconceptions of Islam," he stressed.

Mahfuz added that PAS is ready to meet with the 25 of them to help resolve issues that arise.

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