KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) president Tang Yi Ze has been called in by the police over his statement on abolishing the matriculation programme.
Lawyer Zaid Malek, who accompanied Tang to Wangsa Maju district police headquarters on Tuesday (Sept 23), said his client was summoned to have his statement recorded.
"An investigation is being carried out under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
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"I must stress that the statement made by Umany contains no criminal elements and should not be investigated.
"They have the right to speak up on matters of public interest. I don’t understand why there has to be a probe,” he told reporters outside district police headquarters.
He added that the country’s education system was a matter of public concern.
“Who else should speak up if not Malaysians? Is it only the authorities who can comment?
"What about groups that frequently criticise the vernacular school system? They are allowed to speak without facing investigations," he said.
Meanwhile, Tang expressed gratitude to civil society organisations and NGOs that had voiced support for Umany.
The duo arrived at about 2pm.
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Five police reports have been lodged over Tang's statement on Sept 12, which urged the Higher Education Ministry to abolish the matriculation programme and make the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) the sole entry qualification for public universities.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar had said the statement could create negative perceptions of the country’s education system, stir dissatisfaction among the public and cause unrest.
"The first report against the statement was lodged on Sept 12.
"Four additional police reports have also been lodged by various parties unhappy with the statement,” he said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making statements likely to cause public mischief, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.
"We will not compromise in investigating any remarks that could disrupt public order and will conduct investigations in accordance with the law.
"The public is also reminded to always be prudent and responsible when issuing any statements, whether in public forums or on social media,” he added.
