The fallout from the suspension of constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari has unwittingly turned him into the icon of academic freedom, according to Kelantan senior state exco Husam Musa as the don gathers worldwide support.

This, he pointed out is in an era where students, lecturers and academicians are shackled by the government for holding opposing views.

NONE Husam ( left ) hopes that the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa professor would continue to fight for justice, airing his views undeterred.

"I would like to congratulate Abdul Aziz as he is now the icon of academic freedom, in an era where students and lecturers in institutions of higher learning are being shackled from airing their views.

"The rise of the university students to gather at UIA yesterday to voice out and also the support of academics in universities through their statements, prove that the academic world cannot accept the narrow view adopted by the present government," he said.

He said similarly with PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu who is facing a criminal defamation charge for questioning the polemics of the country's history, Abdul Aziz is suspended for his comments.

Don urged not to cease, desist

"I hope this episode would not stop Abdul Aziz from continuously and sincerely airing his views on certain issues.

"I would propose that (if the suspension stands) the Kelantan government appoint him visiting professor at an institution managed by the state, including Kolej Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail," he said.

Education International, a global union representing 30 million teachers and education workers worldwide had also strongly condemned professor's  suspension for his comments on the  Selangor sultan's decree regarding the controversial raid of the Damansara Utama Methodist Church.

NONE "The suspension of Dr Aziz Bari is a clear violation of fundamental principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech as guaranteed in both international law and the Malaysian Constitution."

"The right of academics to engage in intellectual discourse, public debate and criticism, no matter how controversial, is a founding principle of all modern universities and indeed of all democratic societies.

"The suspension of Prof Aziz Bari must not be tolerated by any nation and we call for the unjustified suspension to be lifted," it said in a statement.

SIS: suspension curbs diverse views

Sisters in Islam has called for a halt to the intimidation of Abdul Aziz by the UIA and the authorities, saying the professor had acted within professional bounds.

"As an academic whose interest lies in constitutional matters and Islamic policies, Abdul Aziz acted within his professional bounds when he commented on the fallout from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS)'s raid on the DUMC last Aug 3.

"While some may take issue with his analysis, they should engage and challenge his views via civil, public discussions instead of intimidating him.

"To accuse him of derhaka (treason) when he was critiquing the monarchy's exercise of its constitutional powers is unjust and breach of Islamic adab."

SIS executive director Ratna Osman said her organisation is worried that the action appears to be systematic demonising and clamping down on the diverse voices expressing views on public interest issues regarding Islamic laws and policies.

"Therefore, we are concerned at the way Aziz is being treated, such as being investigated under the Sedition Act and suspended by the UIA.

"We hope that the various parties will show mercy and compassion for Aziz and call for a stop to his harassment," she said.

She added that SIS is also no stranger to such intimidation by the authorities, political parties and non-governmental organisations where such issues are concerned.

Action must follow the law

The Association of Muslim Lawyers Association president (PPMM), Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, said any action against the don must be based on principles of law and justice.

"Evidence has to be produced to support the action taken. And any action should take into consideration its impact on academics doing research and studies, so they would not be sidelined.

"PPMM does not want to intervene in UIA's action but would like to emphasise that due process of the law should be accorded Abdul Aziz in every proceeding which he may face.

"Abdul Aziz has the right to be heard, and under the law principles of audi alteram partem (the right to get a fair and just trial) before the law," he said.

NONE Zainul Rijal remarked that Abdul Aziz is no stranger to PPMM as both had shared and opposed each other's views before.

PPMM also threw its weight behind the UIA students' gathering yesterday to express their dissatisfaction as it was within the law.

PAS: Action will affect BN

Kedah PAS information chief Mohd Nasir Zakaria, said the suspension would further affect Barisan Nasional's rule in the country.

"Abdul Aziz is a senior lecturer who had served for 22 years at the university, and he is among the Malay academicians specialising in constitutional law.

"Was it wise of the authorities and police to take action , when what he had said was academic discourse.

"We also find the reasoning by the UIA that Abdul Aziz had given statements against the university's interests fairly subjective," he said.

He pointed out that society will want to know what in his comments were against the university's interest.

Mohd Nasir who is also Padang Terap MP predicted that the suspension will contribute to a steeper drop for Malaysian universities 's rankings as already students and academics have to contend with the Universities and College Universities Act.

"The biggest impact ofAbdul Aziz's suspension will be on university students who are taking his course or are under his tutelage for doctorate or masters degrees," he said.