Universiti Malaya has announced a postponement of its new direct disciplinary punishment policy, citing the upcoming examination season and allowing students to remain focused on their academic performance.
It said it will conduct a thorough review of the policy, which several student groups deemed controversial for offences such as a midnight curfew for students living on campus, excessive noise, and violations of the university’s dress code.
"This process will involve discussion sessions with student leadership and the Universiti Malaya Student Union (UMSU) to obtain constructive and comprehensive views," the UM deputy chancellor of student affairs said in a statement last night.
The announcement came ahead of a student protest at 3pm today, which Liga Mahasiswa UM said will proceed as planned.
In a post on Instagram last night, the student group shared the university's statement with bold red text reading "ada yang goy (someone is scared)" across it.
On Jan 23, several UM student groups condemned the new policy as a blow against student autonomy.
Representatives from UM New Youth (Umany), Suara Siswa and Siswa Malaya criticised 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 policy set to be implemented when the next semester begins in March.
Concerns raised
Commenting on the curfew, UMSU check and balance executive Nur Akil Shamil Mohamed said it contradicts student norms, as many are required to be off-campus late into the night.
Akil stated that the university has several 24-hour facilities on campus and that the new curfew contradicts the existence of these spaces.
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, some of the new regulations are very subjective, raising concerns over abuse of power by university authorities.
Suara Siswa vice-president Thishant Sai Sugaythran said the fines under the new policy 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. - Mkini
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