Pressure mounts for Maszlee

PETALING JAYA: Student activists are keeping up with their pressure on Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik to relinquish his role as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president.

Gabungan Pembebasan Akade­mik IPT (GPA-IPT) president Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, who was one of the students arrested for protesting at the Education Ministry in Putrajaya recently, said the activists were firm on their stance that universities should have full autonomy and be free from political interfe-rence.

“Dr Maszlee’s appointment is a symbolic issue which could threaten autonomy. If this is not stopped, it could become a precedent for other ministers,” he said.

Asheeq, who has been released on bail and is still under investigation along with fellow activist Siti Nurizzah Dazali, questioned Dr Maszlee’s commitment to allow freedom of expression among students because the ministry had not withdrawn the police report made by its administrative officers.

.Dr Maszlee’s appointment as IIUM president for a three year-term was made known publicly earlier this month. But the appointment drew much flak from critics who feared a conflict of interest.

Last Wednesday, student activists met Dr Maszlee for a discussion which they later described as “disappointing and unfruitful” as the minister was firm in holding on to his position as IIUM’s president.

A press conference was held yesterday by GPA-IPT, Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya, and Demokrat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Student body Persatuan Belia Harmoni president Ahmad Taqiyud­din Shahriman said roadshows would be conducted to educate students and the public about political appointments and university autonomy.

“The Speakers Corner series will start next week at IIUM and will be brought to universities across the country starting from Klang Valley to campuses in Sabah and Sarawak.”

Asked about concerns of a clamp down by the authorities, Asheeq said the activists were just carrying out what Dr Maszlee had advocated.

The group gave the minister a seven-day ultimatum, which ended on Wednesday, to step down. Dr Maszlee has not responded.

Dr Maszlee, who spoke to reporters yesterday in Kuala Lumpur after a courtesy call from his Irish counterpart, said it was “normal” that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wanted to meet him over his IIUM appointment.

“Meeting with him is not only about (IIUM) but it’s also about other things,” he said. Last Sunday, Anwar said he planned to meet Dr Maszlee.- Star