UM student leader faces suspension, fine for inviting Anwar to speak in campus

By admin-s Last updated Oct 24, 2014

“UM will never allow or support such as it is against university rules. It will not only damage the image, as well as causing a negative view on the university”

(Malay Mail Online) The Universiti Malaya (UM) administration is hauling up its student council president Fahmi Zainol for disciplinary action for allegedly tarnishing the university’s reputation by inviting Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to speak in campus next week.

According to a report in Malay daily Berita Harian today, Fahmi has until the end of the day ― less than 24 hours ― to respond to a show-cause letter issued yesterday by the university’s administration, for organising a programme titled, “40 Years: From University of Malaya to Jail” in which Anwar, an alumnus of UM, is to share his personal experience from a vocal student activist and his thoughts ahead of a court hearing that could send him back to jail on a sodomy charge.

“UM will never allow or support such as it is against university rules. It will not only damage the image, as well as causing a negative view on the university,” the university’s vice-chancellor of student affairs, Prof Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof was quoted saying.

Rohana also claimed the organisers, Universiti Malaya Student Council (PMUM), had not formally registered the programme with the university and is therefore acting illegally.

She added that the university adminstration is disappointed, claiming the student president had refused to cancel the talk even after being called for discussion.

“We will never allow such a programme to be conducted at UM. If Fahmi is stubborn, he will be suspended from studies for one or two semesters as well as being fined RM200,” she said.

She also warned other UM students to steer clear of participating in the event, saying the administration will take disciplinary action on those found to have breached its order.

The talk by Anwar is scheduled for 9pm next Tuesday to be held at the Dataran Tunku Canselor in UM’s main campus here.