Hishamuddin Rais claims being barred from giving lecture at UKM, varsity says not informed of event

PETALING JAYA: Political activist Hishamuddin Rais has claimed that he was barred from giving a lecture on contemporary politics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

"I was barred from conducting my lecture on contemporary politics in Malaysia today (Nov 20). The lecture was arranged and organised by students and lecturers of UKM," he said in a statement on Tuesday night (Nov 20).

Hishamuddin said when he arrived at the venue where he was supposed to give his lecture, he was told by the organisers that the UKM administration did not allow the programme to continue.

"It is regrettable. In this new Malaysia, there are still restrictions and oppression against me and that there are still obstacles to stop me from debating and bringing about the change of mindsets.

"To me, a university is a place where all sorts of knowledge should be presented, argued and discussed," he said.

Hishamuddin said the lecture which he was about to conduct was the third series organised by Diskopi which was made up of students and lecturers.

He added that he respected Diskopi for their courage in hosting these informative and intellectual programmes.

Hishamuddin also urged Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik to study and review outdated policies that was still used by universities.

"I hope my experience will not happened to anyone else in this new Malaysia," he said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said it was not informed about an event featuring Hishamuddin Rais.

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali said no student association or parties within or outside UKM informed the university about the programme.

"We have no issue allowing politicians or activists to speak on our campus, but (his event) was not on our record. To make things worse, the venue (he) wanted to use was already booked for another event by students which is on our record and has been approved.

"However, I was informed that these students were willing to compromise and share their venue for his programme," Prof Noor Azlan told The Star.

He added that he was out of town when the incident happened.

Prof Noor Azlan said UKM has no security at the entrance, signifying their openness to events and talks on the campus.

The presence of a security division is only to ensure public order.

However, a minimal standard operating procedure must be fulfilled for anyone seeking to hold events or speak on the campus.

"Whether they are our students, faculty members or individuals and groups from outside, they need to submit information, alerting us on the number of people they have invited for the programme, as well as submitting a request to use our venues.

"It's not to vet the programmes but to facilitate them, ensure security is in order and the requested venue is available.

"UKM subscribes to the idea of opening and intensifying student activities, promoting debate and all kinds of discussions on campus - we have organised many before," he added.

In a press statement, Prof Noor Azlan further elaborated that the varsity's management never issued instructions to cancel or prevent the organisation of the programme.