Page 27 - VC Message

Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

Important Instruction from the MESSAGE NO.

Vice Chancellor 07

Dear Campus Community,
25 APRIL 2024
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and Salam Sejahtera

I want to address the current issue of the controversy of a speaker in coming out with
statements that have touched on national and societal sensitivities while giving a talk
on campus.
This incident is very much and deeply regretted.

I on behalf of the university offer our utmost and sincerest apologies for this
unwarranted incident.

The university stands firm in its stance on supporting the Palestinian cause, in line with
national and local policy and sentiments on this issue.

We also are unwavering in our support for the Palestinian rights and interests, including
our firm support to our Palestinian campus community.

The speaker’s statement and actions do not in any way reflect our stance on this
issue, and necessary corrective actions have been in place after this incident. 19

The university is looking into this seriously and is taking the necessary actions. The
university is also revising on current procedures and policies and will undertake
necessary adjustments and improvements.

The university has always been steadfast and unyielding in upholding academic
freedom and openness in intellectual and academic discourse and we will always
continue to uphold this facet of academic advancement and liberty as the nation’s top
and oldest academic institution in serving as the bastion of academic professionalism,
openness and meritocracy.
However, we must be alert and not be negligent in ensuring that national or societal
sensitivities are observed and paying special attention to local sentiments as well as
any current national or international laws and regulations.

There is no room for neglect of this academic freedom that breaches the limits of
academic integrity and boundaries.

As Minister of Higher Education YB Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has stated
in his Media Statement on this issue dated 24 April 2024, necessary precautions and
checks on any events or functions must be in place to ensure that this incident must
not be repeated.

New revisions in policies, procedures and guidelines will be in place to tighten and
regulate the actions plans that oversee the management of speaking events or any
other platforms that involve all topics.

All speaking functions or other related events in the university that involve any
individual must be properly evaluated with necessary procedures and precautions in