University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) has urged Malaysians to back its former president Wong Yan Ke’s crowdfunding campaign for his case.
On Oct 9, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court slapped him with a RM5,000 fine or in default, three months’ jail, over his protest against the university’s former vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim during his graduation ceremony in October 2019.
In a statement this morning, Umany said although Wong (above) has settled the fine, he has decided to file an appeal.
“Because this lawsuit is not only about his personal freedom but also about the students’ freedom of speech on campus and the future of the Malaysians.
“Umany and the endorsing organisations believe that as citizens of Malaysia, we should actively support and stand with the warriors who bravely defend the country’s democracy, freedom, and secular pluralism, but are dealt unfairly with by those in power.
“Therefore, we call on everyone to support the crowdfunding campaign initiated by Wong for this case and support this warrior with endless courage to defend what is right,” it added.
In passing the verdict, magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan said the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt regarding the charge against Wong framed under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
Unfazed by the decision, the former Umany leader vowed to continue fighting against racism.
“Despite my guilty verdict, I do not regret my protest and I will not cease fighting. I am a UM graduate, I am Chinese, but above all, I am a Malaysian by birth and upbringing.
“Confronted with the decay of university values and pervasive racism in our country, I refuse to take the path of least resistance or become a passive observer of these injustices,” he said.
On Oct 14, 2019, Wong caused a scene during UM’s convocation when he protested against the vice-chancellor for alleged racist remarks.
Upon receiving his graduation scroll on stage, the then engineering student yelled: “Tolak rasis. Undur VC. Ini Tanah Malaysia” (Reject racists. VC step down. This is Malaysian land).
Meanwhile, Umany’s statement was endorsed by Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya. Persatuan Bahasa Cina Universiti Malaya, Students Progressive Front UUM, Suara Siswa UUM. AIESEC in Universiti Malaya, Rahman Student League (RSL), Demokrat UM - University of Malaya, Monash University Student Association, Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy, and Agora Society Malaysia.
Those who wish to donate can do so through this website. - Mkini
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