The University of Malaya Student Union (Umsu) has called for a reconciliatory meeting today in a bid to resolve a stand-off with the university’s vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim over the latter’s remarks at the recent Malay Dignity Congress.
The attempt at reconciliation came after student activists Wong Yan Ke and Edan Kon Hua En attempted to stage protests against Rahim at the university’s graduation ceremony yesterday.
The meeting was held at 5pm today but Wong told Malaysiakini he did not attend the meeting because Rahim was also giving the event a miss.
In addition, he said the UM Association of Academicians and the student body University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) were also absent.
However, he said all six other UM student parties were present at the meeting namely Penggerak, Neo-Siswa, Demokrat, Angkatan Mahasiswa and Harmoni.
When contacted, a university spokesperson said Rahim had prior engagements that could not be cancelled.
Umsu president Mohd Akmal Hazieq Ahmad Rumaizi told Malaysiakini that it would hold a separate meeting between Rahim and Wong.
In a Facebook post earlier today, Umsu said it took a serious view of the situation on campus and expressed concern that it could lead to “untoward incidents”.
“Therefore, Umsu wants to hold peace negotiations that will be participated in by all stakeholders to find a solution so that this issue is not prolonged because the focus should be on student welfare.
“The time has come to right wrongs, for students and the university to return to what’s important which to take care of student welfare and all it entails.
“Students need student politics that focus on welfare such as bus services, accommodation and many related issues, not politics of hatred and extremism,” he said.
During the Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6, Rahim allegedly claimed that the change in government last year had eliminated Malay political dominance besides asserting that Malay privileges were being questioned.
Rahim also allegedly warned others not to challenge the social contract.
Yesterday, Wong had unfurled a placard upon receiving his graduation scroll on stage and had then shouted, "Tolak rasis. Undur VC. Ini Tanah Malaysia (Reject racism. VC withdraw. This is Tanah Malaysia)”. The placard listed several reasons why Rahim should resign.
The university condemned Wong’s actions and lodged a police report against him. He is to be questioned at the Brickfields district police headquarters at 2pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Kon, who is Umany chairperson, was barred from joining today’s graduation ceremony in expectation that he would attempt a similar stunt.
Seperately, several UM students held a demonstration on campus today to voice support for Rahim.
“UM, respect our VC. Watch your manners, don’t be rude,” they chanted. - Mkini
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