The organiser of a forum on the “polemics” of Indian migration to Peninsular Malaysia, slated to take place at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on Nov 14, has announced it will change the title of the forum, taking aim at critics of the title for "putting the cart before the horse".

The initial forum, entitled Polemik kehadiran masyarakat India di Semenanjung Tanah Melayu: Migrasi atau Imigran? (The polemic of Indians arriving in Malaya: Migration or Immigrants?), was scheduled to be held by UKM's Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (Atma).

Atma gave its assurance that the forum would still proceed, albeit with a new title.

It offered little explanation for the decision, except to say in a Facebook post last night that “the title of this programme has been cancelled”.

Atma later added: "The discussion will continue with some slight changes to the title.”

This came a day after the university and Atma were criticised for the forum's focus on the Indian Malaysian community and the lack of diversity in the chosen panel of speakers.

The original four panellists slated to appear were policy research and international studies professor Ahmad Murad Merican; archaeology lecturer Nasha Rodziadi Khaw from Universiti Sains Malaysia; Atma professor Zuliskandar Ramli; as well as Indian civilisation expert Azharudin Mohamed Dali from Universiti Malaya's History Department.

Indians invited to panel, but none accepted

Defending the line-up of speakers, Atma claimed in another comment that it had invited individuals of Indian descent to join the panel but none had accepted.

“Indians refused to be the panellist (sic). Invited but rejected," it said.

It added that, rather than selecting panellists based on ethnic identity, it was more important for them to have the relevant expertise in archaeology.

It is unsure if these four panellists would be retained when the forum proceeds.

Atma also later criticised detractors of the forum for placing “the cart before the horse” instead of “daring” to attend such forums.

"Being emotional with sarcastic words is easier than being a reasonable thinking person. Let it be. That is normal to most people who put the cart before the horse. They never dare to attend such forum but hide behind the keyboards," it posted in response to comments online.

It further said: “Dare to attend and listen to the academic presentation, this is a tough challenge for many who do not respect and cherish knowledge. If you do not understand or are not satisfied, you can ask.

“If you do not agree, offer reasons and supporting evidence. When there is no substance, then rhetoric and weaponised emotions are prioritised. ‘Wanting to listen’ is not in their dictionary."

Malaysiakini has contacted UKM and Atma for further clarification.

Yesterday, the Minority Rights Action Party (Mira) deemed the planned forum "shameful" and expressed disappointment that a renowned university would be holding a discussion "questioning" the Indian community.

"We want to know why UKM is organising this programme, especially with such a controversial title. What is the polemic that occurred with the arrival of the Indians?

"And why are there no panellists from other races?" Mira vice-president S Gobi Krishnan had asked.

Gobi went on to call upon Education Minister Maszlee Malik and de facto National Unity and Social Well-Being Minister P Waythamoorthy to look into the matter.