A student movement today urged Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to rescind its call on vice-chancellor Dr Muhamad Zohadie Bardaie to resign over a controversial poem he had recited and a memorandum he submitted to the higher education ministry.

In a press statement, Gerakan Mahasiswa Maju (GMM) said it disagreed with the university's board of directors over this decision.

"We feel that the submission of the memorandum and the recital of the poem were actions that showed the vice-chancellor's patriotism and sensitivity for the university.

"The poem was not intended to ridicule anyone. Yet he was accused of committing a grave mistake," it added.

Muhamad Zohadie's poem, recited at a recent function, was alleged by certain quarters of ridiculing Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh.

The vice-chancellor was said to be miffed with the ministry's decision to transfer a new aerospace programme from UPM to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The reason given was to allow UPM to concentrate more on agriculture-related programmes, which are in the pipeline. This led Muhamad Zohadie to submit a memorandum to the ministry to protest the decision.

Subsequently, the UPM board of directors held a meeting, without the vice-chancellor's presence, and decided to call for his resignation.

Do not interfere

GMM said UPM's board of directors should not interfere with the university's administration and such issues should be resolved by the students and lecturers.

"The board's action has paralyzed the administrative system of the university and stifles academic freedom. This unwarranted action will prevent academics from airing their constructive professional opinions," it added.

Furthermore, the movement said, politically motivated decisions such as this has led the public to lose confidence in the university.

In view of this, GMM expressed hope that civil society groups will join in and impress upon the board to revoke its decision.

"The higher education ministry must also ensure that such incidents do not recur. The minister's failure to carry out his responsibility will hurt the education system and tarnish the nation's name in the international arena.