UM student group: Support warrior who stood up against racism

University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) has urged Malaysians to back its former president Wong Yan Ke’s crowdfunding campaign for his case.

On Oct 9, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court slapped him with a RM5,000 fine or in default, three months’ jail, over his protest against the university’s former vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim during his graduation ceremony in October 2019.

In a statement this morning, Umany said although Wong (above) has settled the fine, he has decided to file an appeal.

“Because this lawsuit is not only about his personal freedom but also about the students’ freedom of speech on campus and the future of the Malaysians.

“Umany and the endorsing organisations believe that as citizens of Malaysia, we should actively support and stand with the warriors who bravely defend the country’s democracy, freedom, and secular pluralism, but are dealt unfairly with by those in power.

“Therefore, we call on everyone to support the crowdfunding campaign initiated by Wong for this case and support this warrior with endless courage to defend what is right,” it added.

In passing the verdict, magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan said the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt regarding the charge against Wong framed under Section 504 of the Penal Code.

Unfazed by the decision, the former Umany leader vowed to continue fighting against racism.

“Despite my guilty verdict, I do not regret my protest and I will not cease fighting. I am a UM graduate, I am Chinese, but above all, I am a Malaysian by birth and upbringing.

“Confronted with the decay of university values and pervasive racism in our country, I refuse to take the path of least resistance or become a passive observer of these injustices,” he said.

On Oct 14, 2019, Wong caused a scene during UM’s convocation when he protested against the vice-chancellor for alleged racist remarks.

Upon receiving his graduation scroll on stage, the then engineering student yelled: “Tolak rasis. Undur VC. Ini Tanah Malaysia” (Reject racists. VC step down. This is Malaysian land).

Meanwhile, Umany’s statement was endorsed by Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya. Persatuan Bahasa Cina Universiti Malaya, Students Progressive Front UUM, Suara Siswa UUM. AIESEC in Universiti Malaya, Rahman Student League (RSL), Demokrat UM - University of Malaya, Monash University Student Association, Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy, and Agora Society Malaysia.

Those who wish to donate can do so through this website.

Maintain respectful environment

In a related development, Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak) described Wong’s conviction as “disturbing”.

Gerak’s exco said while it is essential to maintain a respectful environment within academic institutions, the decision to prosecute the former student activist rather than addressing the matter through university disciplinary rules is questionable.

“It raises important questions about the role of universities in shaping the future of our society and the need to preserve their autonomy in dealing with such matters.

“First, it is vital to acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression within educational institutions. Universities are the crucible for critical thinking and intellectual growth.

“They are places where students must be encouraged to challenge existing norms and engage in thoughtful discussions on a wide range of issues,” it added in a statement this afternoon.

Rather than retarding differences, Gerak said universities owe a commitment to the development of individuals who can address complex societal challenges.

“The decision to prosecute the student for expressing his views on stage, however, sends a worrying message about the state of academic freedom in Malaysia.

“While it is understandable that there should be certain limitations on speech to maintain decorum, it is crucial to distinguish between remarks that genuinely threaten the safety and well-being of others and those that merely express dissenting opinions,” it added.

Gerak said the legal system should not be the first recourse but rather the exception when all other alternatives have been exhausted.

“University administrators must not exist to bludgeon students into submitting to archaic and questionable notions of order and discipline,” it added.

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