UIA locks up, goes dark to stop student rally
Aidila RazakPublished: Nov 8, 2014 3:29 AM | Updated: Nov 8, 2014 11:32 AM
After Universiti Malaya, another public university turned off the lights and locked its main gate to stop a student rally on campus.
After Universiti Malaya, another public university turned off the lights and locked its main gate to stop a student rally on campus.
As a result, hundreds of students were forced to gather outside the campus gates under the watch of campus security and police.
According to UM student council president Fahmi Zainol, UIA had told students that this is because the rally was to feature speeches from Fahmi and law professor Abdul Aziz Bari.
"(UIA deputy rector for student affairs) Mizan Hitam told us Fahmi Zainol and Abdul Aziz Bari are not allowed on campus," Fahmi, who is a co-organiser, said when contacted.
In an email to Malaysiakini, Abdul Aziz (left) said campus security barred him from entering the campus in Gombak, Selangor citing "security" reasons.
"I arrived at about 9.30pm and was not allowed by the security personnel to enter, citing security reasons…
"I was surrounded by security personnel, including police, and had to leave," he said.
Aziz taught at UIA from 1989 to 2011, when he was forced to leave for remarks critical of the Selangor sultan.
He said that Mizan was also present to monitor the situation.
He addressed students at the gates at about 11.30pm.
Also at the rally was UM law lecturer Azmi Sharom and other student leaders.
Mizan has not responded to Malaysiakini's calls or text messages.
National tour
Fahmi said that the rally last night was part of the 'Jelajah Mahasiswa, Bebaskan Universiti' (Student Tour to Free Universities).
The tour is organised by the Pro-Mahasiswa Nasional coalition on campuses nationwide, following the groundbreaking Oct 27 rally in UM.
The next stop of the tour is Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) where Fahmi (below) expects, a heavier crackdown.
"I believe it will be worse in UMS as they’re more strict in Sabah compared to the peninsula," he said.
He also notes that the students have not received clearance from UMS campus officials.
After that, the students will head to Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang and the Penang campus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) on Nov 15 and Universiti Utara Malaysia in Kedah on Nov 16.
On Oct 27, about 2,000 students and supporters barged into the UM campus after campus officials locked the main gate to stop a rally featuring PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Eight UM students, including Fahmi, are facing disciplinary action over the rally.
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As a result, hundreds of students were forced to gather outside the campus gates under the watch of campus security and police.
According to UM student council president Fahmi Zainol, UIA had told students that this is because the rally was to feature speeches from Fahmi and law professor Abdul Aziz Bari.
"(UIA deputy rector for student affairs) Mizan Hitam told us Fahmi Zainol and Abdul Aziz Bari are not allowed on campus," Fahmi, who is a co-organiser, said when contacted.In an email to Malaysiakini, Abdul Aziz (left) said campus security barred him from entering the campus in Gombak, Selangor citing "security" reasons.
"I arrived at about 9.30pm and was not allowed by the security personnel to enter, citing security reasons…
"I was surrounded by security personnel, including police, and had to leave," he said.
Aziz taught at UIA from 1989 to 2011, when he was forced to leave for remarks critical of the Selangor sultan.
He said that Mizan was also present to monitor the situation.
He addressed students at the gates at about 11.30pm.
Also at the rally was UM law lecturer Azmi Sharom and other student leaders.
Mizan has not responded to Malaysiakini's calls or text messages.
National tour
Fahmi said that the rally last night was part of the 'Jelajah Mahasiswa, Bebaskan Universiti' (Student Tour to Free Universities).
The tour is organised by the Pro-Mahasiswa Nasional coalition on campuses nationwide, following the groundbreaking Oct 27 rally in UM.
The next stop of the tour is Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) where Fahmi (below) expects, a heavier crackdown.
"I believe it will be worse in UMS as they’re more strict in Sabah compared to the peninsula," he said.He also notes that the students have not received clearance from UMS campus officials.
After that, the students will head to Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang and the Penang campus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) on Nov 15 and Universiti Utara Malaysia in Kedah on Nov 16.
On Oct 27, about 2,000 students and supporters barged into the UM campus after campus officials locked the main gate to stop a rally featuring PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Eight UM students, including Fahmi, are facing disciplinary action over the rally.
Related stories
'Unfair of PTPTN to penalise freshies'
Kula laments disregard for Tamil education
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