Senator urges probe into poster offering 'perks' for uni students who convert

DAP senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran has called for an investigation into a poster bearing Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris’ (Upsi) name that promoted the registration of new Muslim converts.

While acknowledging the Perak institution’s clarification that the poster was not approved before being circulated, he said the matter must still be probed, citing public concern.

A copy of the poster allegedly published yesterday, which has circulated online, lists “benefits” for Upsi students who register as converts to Islam.

The poster, which carries the logos of Upsi, the university’s Islamic centre, its student affairs and alumni departments, as well as the Malaysia Madani emblem, states that students who convert may be entitled to free education.

It also claims that students who embraced Islam would be offered financial aid and could join “experience-sharing sessions” with other converts.

The poster further promoted “guidance classes” open to non-Muslim students interested in learning about Islam.

In a notice yesterday, Upsi’s corporate communications division said the poster was never submitted for the university’s management review or approval, adding that it had been circulated outside official channels and that “follow-up action” was being taken to prevent a recurrence.

Call for transparent investigation

However, Lingeshwaran said in a statement today that the university’s denial alone was insufficient to dispel public concern, given that the material touches on sensitive issues in Malaysia’s plural society.

He therefore called for a “thorough, transparent, and independent” investigation to identify those responsible for producing, approving, or disseminating the poster.

He also urged that the findings be made public to ensure transparency and restore confidence in public educational institutions, and called for firm disciplinary action against any parties found to have breached procedure or misused the university’s identity.

Lingeshwaran stressed that the Higher Education Ministry must ensure the probe is conducted thoroughly and without interference.

“As a public educational institution funded by the people, of various races and religions, Upsi has a responsibility to ensure that every programme and form of official communication is carried out with full sensitivity towards the diversity of Malaysian society and in compliance with established procedures.

“In a plural nation such as Malaysia, any failure to address such issues firmly will only erode public confidence in public institutions that are meant to belong to all,” the senator stressed.

Lodge a police report

In a statement to Malaysiakini later, Lingeshwaran urged Upsi to immediately lodge a police report so that those responsible for creating and circulating the poster can be identified and investigated.

He further called on the Communications Ministry and other relevant authorities to trace the origin and dissemination of the poster.

Lingeshwaran added that while he does not have the full details surrounding the poster’s publication, the matter has raised public concern and generated many questions among Malaysians.

“I urge Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir to personally look into this matter and ascertain whether such programmes are, in fact, taking place on the ground within institutions of higher learning without the knowledge or approval of the relevant authorities.

“I am not against any religion, nor questioning anyone's constitutional right to embrace and practise the faith of their choice,” he affirmed.

NGO backs call for probe

In a Facebook post today, the Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram NGO also backed calls for an investigation, urging all parties to uphold mutual respect, religious freedom, and national unity.

“Matters involving religion are highly sensitive and should be handled with integrity, transparency, and respect for the religious freedom guaranteed to all citizens.

“We call upon the authorities to take appropriate action against any misuse of religious matters that may create misunderstanding, distrust, or disharmony within our multicultural society,” said the group’s president, Rishi Kumar Vadivelu.

In a separate statement, the Global Human Rights Federation said that while every individual has the fundamental right to learn about any religion and to make personal decisions regarding matters of faith, such decisions must be made independently and without any form of direct or indirect inducement.

“The promotion of religious conversion programmes accompanied by financial, educational, or welfare-related incentives raises important ethical and human rights concerns.

“Such initiatives risk creating the perception that material benefits are being used to encourage a change of faith, thereby undermining the principle of genuine religious freedom and informed consent,” it added.

The NGO also claimed it has received numerous complaints and concerns from families who allegedly discovered that their children had undergone religious conversion while studying away from home, often without the knowledge or understanding of their parents.

As such, it pushed for the establishment of clear policies to ensure that public educational institutions remain religiously neutral and that the rights, dignity, freedom of conscience, and welfare of all students are fully protected.

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