Pro-Israel speech: MOHE cancels US don’s programmes, orders probe

The Higher Education Ministry has cancelled all programmes and activities involving a US-based academic who made several pro-Israel remarks during a speech at Universiti Malaya (UM).

“I have also instructed UM to probe the matter and provide the ministry with details,” said its minister Zambry Abdul Kadir in a statement.

On April 23, Portland State University’s political science professor Bruce Gilley accused local politicians of advocating for a second Holocaust against the Jews during a speech at UM.

A check by Malaysiakini revealed that Gilley made the remarks during his keynote address at a lecture titled “Will Malaysia become an active middle power?”.

In his address, Gilley said that a country whose political leaders “advocate a second Holocaust against the Jewish people will never be a serious player in world affairs and will certainly never be a friend or partner of the US.”

Gilley also shared excerpts from his address on his X account. He cited a remark by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu at a rally in October last year that “Israel will soon disappear” as an example of an anti-Jew remark.

‘Vet your speakers’

The academic’s statement triggered the ire of Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.

“This is absolutely misleading and unacceptable.

“His statements are falsely depicting Malaysia’s aim and goals towards peace for an independent Palestine state,” Amira said on X yesterday.

Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz

Amira reiterated that it is the Zionist government of Israel that is committing genocide of Palestinians.

“Academic institutions should be very careful in inviting speakers and lecturers who are spreading pro-Zionist narratives.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Zambry urged local higher education institutions to be more careful when selecting speakers for their events.

“Although universities have autonomy when it comes to organising their intellectual programmes, it doesn’t mean they have absolute freedom. We must consider local sensitivities.

“Plus, decisions made by varsities must be in line with government’s stand and policies,” he added.

The professor was also scheduled to attend several programmes at UM throughout the week but had since been cancelled.

Gilley removes post

Gilley had also removed his post from X, citing safety concerns.

“I have removed the post below for the safety and well-being of my colleagues at UM, whose leadership has responded to a student outcry.

“The quote from my keynote address reflects my views alone. I regret the harm I have caused to my academic colleagues.”

In an update, Gilley stated: “I have safely departed from Malaysia, one step ahead of the Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government there. This is not a safe country to travel to now. Updates to follow.”