Several Universiti Malaya student groups have slammed new campus rules that include curfews and fines, describing the measures as a blow against student autonomy.
In a joint press conference today, representatives from Universiti Malaya New Youth (Umany), Suara Siswa and Siswa Malaya have condemned the university for doing a “rush job”, as the decision was announced during examination season.
The backlash follows a series of roadshows held between Jan 15 and 23, where the university administration explained the new direct disciplinary punishment policy, which will be implemented when the next semester begins in March.
Among the newly announced offences that could be fined are the violation of a midnight curfew for students living on campus, excessive noise, and violation of the university’s dress code.
University Malaya Student Union (UMSU) check and balance executive Nur Akil Shamil Mohamed said the newly imposed curfew contradicts student norms, as many are required to be off-campus late into the night.
“UM has been known not to impose any curfews. We never had a curfew, and the gates remain open for 24 hours.
“Many students are involved in projects that require meetings up until 1am. How are we supposed to carry out these meetings and be back in the premises before 12am?” he said in front of the Dewan Tunku Canselor Universiti Malaya today.
Nur Akil stated that the university has several 24-hour facilities on campus and that the new curfew contradicts the existence of these spaces.
Cinderella curfews and arbitrary rules
For context, most public universities in Malaysia impose a curfew requiring students living on campus to be back by 12am, or risk being penalised.
Until recently, UM and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia were among the few public universities that did not impose this restriction.
According to Umany president Tang Yi Ze, the new curfew requires hostel gates to be closed at 12am, and students who fail to arrive before midnight will be fined.
He also pointed out that some of the new regulations are very subjective, raising concerns over abuse of power by university authorities.
“For example, Regulation 25 concerning the offence of causing noise is highly subjective. It effectively grants absolute power to the authorities to determine guilt and impose punishment on anyone they choose.
“Take my voice right now as an example. Would this be considered or defined as ‘noise’? We do not know. This depends entirely on the discretion vested in the authorities.
“This is one example of how the authorities are given excessive powers, allowing them to convict and punish anyone at their discretion,” he said.
Suara Siwa vice-president Thishant Sai Sugaythran said the fines implemented were excessive, noting that penalties range from RM50 to RM250, with repeat offences attracting fines of up to RM500.
Students who fail to settle their fines will be barred from graduating.
Student union accused of complicity
Additionally, the group also slammed the UMSU for not taking adequate action despite being informed of the university’s decision a month prior.
Tang claimed that the student union was made aware of the new policy during a meeting with the student affairs department on Dec 16 last year, but failed to publicise the matter to the students.
He accused the union of being complicit in oppressing students.
“What is even more disappointing is that they have not publicly objected to this issue.
“By remaining silent and choosing not to speak out, they are allowing the university administration to implement disciplinary punishments that are oppressive and unjust,” Tang said, adding that the student body shouldn’t be a yes-man to the administration.
Malaysiakini has contacted UMSU and the university for comments.
The group called for an immediate cancellation of this policy and for the university to engage in a transparent dialogue with the students.
Tang stressed that students have a right to be informed about new rules and policies that will be implemented by the administration.
“If we are not informed, how are we supposed to comply with those rules and policies?
“We, therefore, demand that the university revoke this regulation, halt its implementation and enforcement of these punishments, and call on the UMSU to stand up for its students,” he said.
Memo to deputy minister
Later in the day, representatives from UMSU gathered in front of the university chancellery to also protest the policy implementation.
UMSU president Aiman Izzat Shamsuddin stated that the union’s stance has opposed the policy from the outset, adding that it had raised objections during a meeting with the vice-chancellor and consultancy boards.
However, he said the university rejected UMSU’s proposal to abolish the measure at the meeting.
“We have fought against this, but our objections were ignored. That is why we are here today in front of the chancellery to demonstrate our solidarity against this matter.
“Tonight, we will also submit a memorandum directly to the Student Affairs Department,” he said to Malaysiakini.
UMSU vice president Gan Zi Xiang added that the union has also submitted a memorandum to Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli this morning, and plans to hold a meeting with him to discuss reform-related issues, including this matter.
When queried regarding Tang’s accusation, Aiman stated that a notice had been issued three days after the initial meeting.
He acknowledged that it might have been an oversight and stressed that all student groups must join forces rather than blaming one another.
“Things have happened, so we do not point fingers at anyone and let bygones be bygones.
“It is not the time to blame another. We have to move forward as this is no longer just a movement issue, but a student issue where everyone must stand together rejecting this matter,” Aiman said. - Mkini
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