Summary

  • Suaram urges the Higher Education Ministry to probe claims that UiTM punished students who spoke out on those dressed in Ku Klux Klan outfits.

  • Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy also urges Suhakam to independently probe the claims for violations of students' rights.

  • This follows unconfirmed reports that the students who leaked the footage of the controversial incident were barred from leaving the campus.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) today urged the Higher Education Ministry to probe claims that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) punished students for speaking out on those dressed in Ku Klux Klan (KKK) outfits.

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy also urged Suhakam to independently investigate the claims for violations of students’ rights to freedom of expression, academic freedom and freedom of movement.

He expressed concern about allegations that the students who leaked footage of the controversial incident were barred from leaving the campus.

"The university must also clarify whether it is investigating the threatening messages allegedly received by these students from their peers.

"Institutions must protect, not punish, students who engage in peaceful dissent - especially when that dissent contributes meaningfully to public discourse on human rights," he said in a statement.

A post by Fajar Baru on X yesterday claimed that UiTM management barred the students from leaving the campus.

The alternative media page cited anonymous sources, adding that the information had been confirmed by other student sources.

Since April 14, a short video clip of the activity has been making its rounds on social media.

Netizens have criticised the students for allegedly glorifying KKK, a “white power” group known for its brutal attacks and murders against people of colour in the US.

Some have also called for the authorities and UiTM to take strong action against the students.

Malaysian Christians decried the incident as insensitive, as these depictions of the KKK - a Christian extremist group - fell within the Holy Week, which began last Sunday (April 13) on Palm Sunday.

COMMENT | No place for KKK glorification in name of dissecting racism

COMMENT | No place for KKK glorification in name of dissecting racism

UiTM defends student's KKK 'cosplay', says part of academic work

UiTM defends student's KKK 'cosplay', says part of academic work