Don’t gag academics’ freedom of expression, says Higher Education Minister

PUTRAJAYA: The government will defend academics’ right to freedom of expression as long as they are evidential and based in fact, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

“Academic freedom at the university is still maintained, there is no need for any measures that try to restrict it.

“At the same time, academics who present their views must be based on their field and discipline, which is based on facts, research and evidence,” he told reporters after opening an Academy of Professors Malaysia (APM) convention here on Monday (Oct 21).

He also said that any circular issued to govern faculty members should be made within the specific context of the learning institution’s culture and ecosystem.

“We do not want every instruction issued to be interpreted as restricting the academic rights and freedoms in the university.

“I do not want to see the academic world be confined to rigidness in a circular, don’t deny the rights of academics to express their thoughts.

“There are parties who say that this is also an extension of Act 605 (Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000), but I have already checked with UKM, and so far they have never used 605 to relate to discipline and other actions that need to be taken,” he said.

On Oct 8, UKM issued a circular instructing civil servants, including officers of statutory bodies, to avoid making statements that could undermine government policies or cause embarrassment to government entities.

However, UKM through a separate statement on Oct 17 denied the matter saying that it does not restrict the freedom of speech of its faculty members in expressing opinions, whether orally or in writing, including on social media.

Asked whether the ministry plans to amend Act 605, Zambry said the ministry would look into the matter.

“I would also like to see in the context of Act 605 if there are any exceptions that can be given.

I will look in detail because we understand that there are some things that are exempted in certain institutions, so if that is the basis, then it is also appropriate for us to look again into it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Minister announced that in conjunction with Malaysia assuming Asean chairmanship next year, several programmes will be organised to facilitate a dedicated meeting focused on higher education issues among Asean countries.

“Previously it was only focused on Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), for Asean education. This time, the Asean countries have agreed that there will be a special meeting between higher education ministers after the Asean education ministers meeting.

“The Prime Minister has also requested that the Higher Education Ministry organise the programme,” he added.