PETALING JAYA: Discussion of 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues is allowed but it should be done with decorum, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister, who was in Universiti Malaya on Saturday (Sept 21), said that it is important for issues of the people to be discussed on campus with knowledge and readings written by academicians and social justice fighters such as the late Professor Dr Syed Husin Ali.
He also said that the Higher Education Ministry had been asked to set up a Chair at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in the name of Syed Husin, which will focus on his views and thoughts on social justice for the poor and downtrodden.
"Students should not be 'yes men'. However, even if they discuss 3R issues, it should not be done to instil hatred and instigate (others)," said Anwar during a memorial to remember Syed Husin who passed away on June 29.
He said that the late Syed Husin did raise 3R issues, but did it with decorum and humility despite being fighting his whole life for social justice issues.
"We were arrested together when we took part in the Baling uprising. We were then locked up in adjoining cells and then later sent to Kamunting under the (repealed) Internal Security Act.
"When I was sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998, Syed Husin was one of the first to commit to the struggle of reformasi.
"His party Parti Rakyat Malaysia was a small party but with a glorious history of great fighters and it was known for its strong integrity," said Anwar.
He also quipped how Syed Husin once refused a senatorship as he disliked wearing a suit and shoes, saying he was well known for his simple style – short-sleeve shirts and chappals.
At the same event, Syed Husin's son Muhammad Ali said that his father ingrained in him the need to treat everyone equally.
"The struggle he had fought for was a legacy of the people before him and a legacy he has left for us to continue," said Muhammad Ali.
Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Abd Rahman Embong said that Syed Husin fought for justice for all races and led a modest life despite being held highly in academic and political circles.
"His main tribute to the academic world was the study of the social class, ethnic conflicts and the study of Malay society.
"He also stressed that learning should not be confined to mere learning and knowledge should be applied to community issues as the university is the beating heart of the conscience of the society," said Abd Rahman.
Syed Husin was appointed PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, of which he was president, and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.
Among other roles, Syed Husin also served as Senator in the Dewan Negara and as professor at Universiti Malaya.
