The police are probing student activist Brendon Gan after he alleged financial misconduct and systemic weaknesses in public universities.
Gan, who is also chairperson of the Malaysian People’s Advocacy Assembly (Haram), said the investigation was linked to a social media post he published after a meeting with Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and senior ministry officials.
Speaking to reporters, Gan described the move as an attempt to intimidate critics who raise issues related to the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971.
“During the meeting with the minister, the ministry did not deny the questions we raised about how the UUCA is not only a draconian law, but also one that systematically legitimises corruption.
“If the UUCA itself contains provisions that provide legal protection to those approving tenders, then who will ensure accountability and integrity within universities?” he asked.
Earlier, Gan said he was investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 at the Brickfields district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this morning.
He arrived at the police station at 10am and gave a statement for nearly 90 minutes. According to him, the investigation followed a police report lodged by a senior officer attached to the Higher Education Ministry.
Several student representatives were also present to show solidarity with Gan.
‘Hotbed of corruption’
Previously, Gan urged the MACC and the Higher Education Ministry to investigate alleged corruption in university procurement systems nationwide.
He claimed that the system was a “hotbed of corruption and manipulation”.
Following that, Gan said he met the minister to press for an investigation into the allegation.
Meanwhile, his lawyer, Sitinur Sabrina Mohammad, said Gan should be protected as a whistleblower acting in the public interest, rather than being investigated as a criminal suspect.
“This is not a criminal matter, but one involving the freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
“Section 506, which concerns criminal intimidation, is clearly inapplicable as there is no element of violence whatsoever,” she said.
Sabrina also warned that action against student activists could create a chilling effect that discourages the public, particularly students, from speaking out against misconduct or weaknesses in government administration. - Mkini
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