Universiti Malaya has apologised for the incident involving US-based academic Bruce Gilley, who made several pro-Israel remarks during a recent speech at its campus.
In a statement today, the varsity also pledged to improve its procedures and guidelines in vetting individuals it works with in the future.
“UM takes heed of Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir’s recommendations and has taken immediate steps to cancel all programmes and activities the foreign lecturer was scheduled to attend.
“UM regrets the controversial statements (Gilley made) that offended the people’s sentiments.
“A detailed report on the matter is being prepared and strict action will be taken against individuals involved,” said the statement.
Earlier today, Zambry said he had instructed UM to investigate the matter and provide the ministry with details.
The minister also 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 the government’s stand and policies,” he added.
Elaborating, UM said it viewed the matter seriously and relayed its apologies.
“To prevent a recurrence, UM is also improving procedures and tightening guidelines, especially when it comes to vetting individuals or any party that will work (with UM), including carrying out a social media profile risk assessment.”
Commenting further, the varsity also took offence to Gilley who claimed that it is unsafe to travel to Malaysia in the current situation.
“This is an irresponsible and extreme statement, which can trigger the anger of all Malaysians.
“UM stands by the government’s position to oppose all elements linked to Israel and fully supports efforts to declare Palestine as an independent country.”
‘Second holocaust’
On April 23, Gilley, who is a political science professor at Portland State University, 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 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”.
The academic also shared excerpts from his address on his X account, which has since been removed following backlash. 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.
For the record, Malaysia’s official position on resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict calls for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
In an update today, Gilley said he had removed his initial post for the safety and well-being of his colleagues at UM.
Stressing that remarks from his speech were reflective of his views alone, Gilley also tweeted on his current whereabouts, saying: “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.”
Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz highlighted Gilley's initial statement yesterday.
“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.
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. - Mkini
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