Aziz Bari suspended, Pakatan slams UIA for bending to hidden hands in Umno

As expected, the International Islamic University Malaysia or UIA has bowed to the Najib administration and suspended law professor Abdul Aziz Bari after the outspoken academic said there were no reasons why the people could not question or criticise the actions of the Royalty, following acontroversial decision by the Selangor Sultan over the Jais-DUMC raid.

A day ago, news had swirled the police had hauled him up for investigation under the Sedition Act for speaking his mind. The high-handed behaviour of the aythorities and the UIAS administration has been sharply rebuked.

Said MP for Bukit Gantang Nizar Jamaluddin: "This action is a tragedy and an insult to the higher education institution especially UIA, which is one of the few in this country to receive world’s recognition. I feel that there is a hidden hand that dictated to the university the issuance of the show-cause letter to the professor. It is clear this comes from the top echelon within Umno-BN because they feel that the professor's comments will encourage a culture of independent opinion from amongst the academics and the people."

Said MP for PJ Utara Tony Pua: "We are not in agreement with the opinions expressed by Dr Aziz all of the time, but we believe that everyone, what more academics in the relevant fields of study, must have the right to voice their views on all matters relating to the Constitution. After all, Malaysia is a country founded on the rule of law, and not one which is enslaved to an absolute authority. The actions by the Government and University authorities will only prove that there is little room for academic freedom in our tertiary institutions, and that the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) is used as the tool to ensure rigid conformity among the academics and the students."

Immediate effect, for indefinite period

Aziz was accused of 'making statements that run contrary to the interest of the university'. His suspension will take immediate effect and for an indefinite period of time. The only saving grace is that the freeze is with pay although it is unclear for how long more will UIA continue to pay him.

Meanwhile, a group called Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak) has slammed the actions of the mainstream media, in particular the Umno press, in "slandering" the professor, who is popular with his students and many Malaysians.

“The movement is disappointed with the slander in a form of personal attack towards him,” Rosli Mahat, Gerak secretary-general, was quoted as telling Harakahdaily.

According to Gerak, Prof Aziz was well-respected and qualified to provide in-depth and rational explanation as part of his duties as an expert in the field. Those who disagreed with his views should actually come out with rebuttals based on rationality and professionalism instead of sending threats and attacking him on a personal basis.

As an academician, Aziz has every right to share his views. This is a part of the academic freedom extended to all academicians. Any country that wants to be proud of their universities must ensure that their institutions of higher learning produces the best achievers, and this requires supporting, respecting and protecting the academic freedom.

“Academic freedom is recommended by UNESCO in its document titled Recommendation Concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel,” said Gerak, pointing out that the document was approved by the world body's council on 11 November 1997.

Sultans not immune to criticism

In the aftermath of the Sultan's controversial decision on the Jais-DUMC raid, Aziz had said the Ruler had the right to intervene but his decision should be in line with Islam. He also said the Sultan was not immune to criticism so long as detractors did not advocate the abolition of the royal institution, which is seditious based on Malaysia's constitution.

Aziz was also questioned by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission on Monday, after former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad publicly chided him for being "kurang ajar" and rude.

“What should have been done by the government as well as the institutions of higher learning is to allow freedom and space for the academicians to speak their minds because it doesn’t involve partisan politics. As a professor and an expert in the Malaysian constitution, Abdul Aziz should be given every right to speak not prevented from it,” said Nizar.

Malaysia Chronicle