In the wake of growing student activism in Universiti Malaya, all staff of the university are now prohibited from organising any kind of political activity.

UM senior economics lecturer Lee Hwok Aun posted an image of the letter, sent to all university staff by UM registrar Yusoff Musa, on his Facebook page today.

The letter states that UM administration henceforth bans all staff from organising political activities, including those "on study leave, vacation leave or attending seminars or workshops inside or outside the country".

The letter from Yusoff also states that the UM authority will take a serious position against those who do not protect, maintain or defend the country's dignity, as well as those who not follow the laws.

"It is the obligation of UM staff to show their constant loyalty to the Agong, the country, the government, and UM," reads the letter.

Lee (left), in posting the letter on his Facebook page, said: "Statutory Bodies, Act. Your time has come! Step out of the shadows and take your place as flaming sword of the masters of the university."

When contacted, Lee, who is also an active member of the Academic Staff Association of Universiti Malaya (PKAUM), confirmed that he received the letter today.
 
In December 2014, seven out of the eight students were found guilty for organising a campus rally on Oct 27 which featured opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as a key speaker, without the university’s permission.
 
One of them is former president of Persatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (PMUM) Fahmi Zainol, who was suspended for two consecutive semesters and fined RM600.

Another who was also suspended is UM Pro-Mahasiswa president Safwan Shamsuddin, who had to sit out one semester and pay a fine of RM300.

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