Photo: Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The government will defend academics’ right to freedom of expression as long as they are evidential and based on facts, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.
“The university still maintains academic freedom; no restrictions are necessary.
“At the same time, views of academics must be based on facts, research and evidence within their field and discipline,” he told reporters after launching the Academy of Professors Malaysia (APM) convention here yesterday.
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 limiting academic rights and freedoms at the university.
“I want the academic world to be free from circular rigidity; don’t deny academics the right to express their opinions.
“Some claim that this is also an extension of Act 605 (Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000), but UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) has never used Act 605 so far in relation to discipline or other necessary actions,” he stated.
On Oct 8, UKM issued a circular instructing civil servants, including officers of statutory bodies, to refrain from making statements that could undermine government policies or cause embarrassment to government entities.
However, UKM in a statement on Oct 17, denied restricting 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 also want to see if Act 605 allows for any exceptions.
“I will look into it in detail because we understand that certain institutions exempt certain things; if that is the basis, then it is also appropriate for us to re-examine it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambry also announced that in conjunction with Malaysia assuming the 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 the South-East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (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.
