Police investigating UM graduate over protest during graduation ceremony

Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate Wong Yan Ke is now being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code after the university lodged a police report over his protest during the varsity’s graduation ceremony yesterday.

According to the activist’s lawyer Asheeq Ali, police had received ten reports from the public against his client, and the case is being investigated under Section 504 which is intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Wong, who is a former University Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) chairperson, was called to the Petaling police station to give his statement this afternoon.

During the press conference held outside of the police station, Asheeq stressed that his client was giving valid criticism which should not be seen as an insult.

“My client is innocent of that charge (of giving insult). He never uttered any vulgar words or never took any personal attacks on the vice-chancellor (Abdul Rahim Hashim).

“He merely states his stand that the VC's statement during the Malay Dignity Congress is against unity,” he said.

According to Asheeq (photo), Abdul Rahim might be called to give his statement to the police in a day or two.

Meanwhile, the lawyer also raised the issue where UM allegedly barred Wong from receiving his academic transcript.

“There are only two situations where a university can hold one’s degree. First, if he or she found guilty in any court of law with a serious offence. Second, if he or she has been found attempting to obtain the degree illegally.

“He (Wong) does not fall under either of these categories. UM should immediately release my client’s degree certificate. Failing to do so, we will not hesitate to take the necessary action in a court of law,” he said.

Asheeq said he expects UM's administration to respond within 24 hours on the certificate on why the certificate is being held.

He added that a suit could be filed against the university if it failed to reply.

Wong also criticised Abdul Rahim trying to create a "white terror" and culture of fear among the students by lodging the police report.

“Actually, a lot of people are against his statement. Maybe he is worried they might imitate me by going directly against him. (That’s why) he is trying to make sure the dissent will be suppressed," he said.

Wong also mentioned that Abdul Rahim skipped the reconciliatory meeting yesterday evening and refused to face the students at the meeting.

"I was there (at the venue) and waited for him, but he is the one who chose not to face the students and used all of these dirty tactics to go against me.

“Since he was not present, I also decided to give the event a miss,” he said.

Separately, police said they received a police report regarding Wong’s protest on Oct 15 at 12.33am, which was lodged by the university’s security officer.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim said Wong’s actions had violated the graduation ceremony’s protocols and disrupted proceedings.

He confirmed that investigations are conducted under Section 504 of the Penal Code.

“The police would not compromise and will take stern action in accordance with existing laws against anyone found threatening public order or incite issues that touch on racial or religious sensitivities in this country.

“The police advises the public to respect the constitution and existing laws, and help ensure multiracial harmony in this country,” he said in a statement today. 

Meanwhile, student activist Edan Kon Hua En refuted UM’s statement today which accused him of attempting to “incite” other graduates to join his protest by playing up the racial agenda.

“UM had slandered me playing up racial agenda but actually I’m against any forms of racism, yet UM had defamed me.

“That was a very irresponsible and baseless statement by the university. I urged UM to explain and apologise for this irresponsible statement,” he said.

During the Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6, Abdul 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.

Monday, 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 (your statement). This is Tanah Malaysia).”

The placard also listed several reasons why Rahim should resign.

UM subsequently condemned Wong’s actions and lodged a police report against him.

Meanwhile, Kon, another former Umany chairperson, was barred from joining today’s graduation ceremony in the expectation that he would attempt a similar stunt. - Mkini