Student group claims anti-graft event at UM disrupted

A student group has alleged that an anti-corruption forum at Universiti Malaya last night was disrupted after the planned venue near Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC) was sealed off.

The forum, titled “Integrity and Anti-Corruption”, was part of an ongoing roadshow organised by the Tangkap Azam Baki secretariat aimed at explaining to the public issues concerning the MACC and its chief commissioner, Azam Baki.

According to NewGen UM president Lennards John Johnson, organisers had conducted talks during speaker’s corner sessions at several residential colleges and around campus to build momentum ahead of the forum, but these were also interrupted by campus authorities.

“We were stopped at multiple locations, and the UM auxiliary police limited our speaking time to under a minute. At one point, they also attempted to seize our microphone,” Lennards told Malaysiakini.

Despite earlier disruptions, the organisers proceeded with plans to hold the forum at the DTC compound at 8.30pm.

However, Lennards alleged that the area had already been cordoned off with red tape before participants arrived, with lights switched off and a heavy auxiliary police presence around the area.

He further claimed that roadblocks were set up, with vehicles entering the vicinity stopped and checked.

“So, we tried to negotiate with the auxiliary police, but we couldn’t (reach an agreement). The president of the student union also tried to call the vice-chancellor but he didn’t pick up the phone.

“Once we gave our speech, we decided that we are going to have the forum right in front of the stairs,” Lennards said.

Permission denied

On the issue of approvals, Lennards pointed out that organisers had previously attempted to obtain official permission for similar events but were often denied venues.

“We want to comply with the university’s rules, but when we are denied a venue despite following procedures, what options do we have?” he asked.

The forum proceeded in dim conditions, with speakers from several civil society groups, such as Bersih, KLSCAH Youth and Mandiri, who addressed issues related to governance, integrity and anti-corruption.

Malaysiakini has reached out to the university for comments.

Universiti Malaya New Youth (Umany) has since condemned the obstruction, claiming that the action was an affront to the students’ freedom of assembly and academic freedom.

The student group claimed that the government’s “reformist spirit” had since faded, raising doubts about its commitment to carrying out meaningful reforms.

“Upon becoming the ruling government, the coalition that once championed freedom has now turned a blind eye to Azam’s case, suppressing university students’ freedom to express themselves on campus.

“We would like to question: If the government was truly committed to reform and show zero tolerance for corruption, why would we need to go to such lengths to assemble?” the group asked in a statement last night.

Rights denied

Separately, Lennards had also raised similar concerns, saying students should be allowed to hold discussions on issues such as governance and corruption - a culture that has been upheld in UM for decades.

“When actions like this prevent us from doing so, it is as if we are being denied our rights in our own home. We have the right to academic freedom and the right to express ourselves,” he said.

Amid ongoing controversy surrounding the MACC and its chief commissioner, a nationwide “Jelajah Tangkap Azam Baki” has been launched to mobilise public support on the issue.

The roadshow has been conducted across several states, including Penang, Kelantan and Johor, with its grand finale set to take place tonight at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

The campaign is expected to culminate in a protest against Azam on April 25 at Dataran Merdeka.

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