UIA doesn’t deserve 'antarabangsa' in its name
YOURSAY 'UIA's cancellation of the forum shows it's still living in the dark ages...'
Minister says UIA wrong to cancel forum
RCZ: We all know Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) was wrong to cancel the forum, we know of the spineless management and we know the sub-level standard of our universities.
But what we want to know from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low is what he is going to do about this?
I suggest the minister organise the forum with the same speakers, including PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and this be done under his ministry.
Speak For All: That is the state of affairs in the country today - that even government universities have no respect for ministers.
Knowing very well a minister is attending the forum, they still cancel the forum. That shows their arrogance.
As usual, the university vice-chancellor will probably give some brainless and stupid excuses for cancelling the forum at the last minute.
Anonymous_1419577444: Low, don't just blow hot air. If you really meant what you said, you would have done what it takes to make sure the event went ahead, such as making phone calls or visits the people who ordered the cancellation.
Zappy-Zapzap: So, who is surprised? UIA is just like any other public university in this country. They are made in the BN mould. Debates that are bound to pinpoint BN's weaknesses would be nipped in the bud.
The last-minute cancellation is intended to prevent a change of venue and enough notice given to participants to alter their travel plans.
The self-censorship practised by UIA is regrettable and reflects intellectual backwardness, not befitting an 'international' university. The university leaders are only thinking about their rice bowl and assured tenure. I really pity Malaysia.
Lukesky: The core idea of a university is to allow free debate and exchange of ideas, knowledge and views. As an institute of higher learning it should be impartial and apolitical. Otherwise, it's no better than a government public school.
If recent events at UIA and Universiti Malaya are the local benchmark, it’s no wonder Malaysian universities have been falling further behind their regional and international peers.
Eagle: UIA, you can't call yourself an international university when you don't have an international attitude and outlook. You are still acting like a 'katak dibawah tempurung'.
Be brave and broaden your outlook, and the world will be a better place. Don't make yourself a laughing stock.
Anonymous$&@?: UIA, please drop the word 'antarabangsa' from your name because UIA is not fit to have the 'international' status it professes. Universities overseas encourage their students to be open minded and allow debate on issues that are relevant to the times.
However UIA's action to cancel the forum shows that UIA is still living in the dark ages and not open for free discourse - all the hallmarks of a ‘kampung’ (village) university.
I am sure its students, especially the foreign ones will now have a different perception of the so-called 'international university' they are enrolled in.
Jesse: It amply demonstrates that local universities are run by Umno sycophants with no idea of what universities are about. The bumiputera policies have destroyed both the schools and tertiary education.
Most of the local vice-chancellors would not even be considered for a job at a proper university.
Headhunter: Opposition leaders like Nik Nazmi and their other bright sparks are now feared by the BN. And they are all relatively young too. That goes for their female counterparts as well.
Notice that not one of the BN leaders can be considered as smart and intelligent and a match for the opposition youth.
Even their poster boy, ‘Mr Oxford’ Khairy Jamaluddin, is turning to be a dupe. That's why they turn their tail whenever they are challenged to a debate.
Fairnsquare: If a university is not able to facilitate a forum on moderation or any other subject for fear of opposing views, it has failed as an institution of higher learning. They are only capable of producing 'yes men'.
But blind followers who do not question the norm are not achievers.
Roar For Truth: It is an impossibility for such educators to inspire their students to explore the wide spectrum of decisions and thoughts when their minds are so narrow and closed. Such educators are good for rote teaching.
Sabahan: When our universities are helmed by spineless and brainless cowards, how can we expect the ratings to be good and forward-thinking graduates to be produced?
Cantabrigian: Guess who is the founder-patron of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM)? Prime Minister Najib Razak.
And this forum discussing moderation in society has been barred under his premiership. Najib has lost all credibility as leader of this country.
UIA may as well change its status from a university to a manufacturing plant, where you churn out mindless robots. As Pink Floyd sang, "We don't need no education."
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