Student activist says minister trying to stifle free speech in schools

Student activist Asheeq Ali.

PETALING JAYA: Student activist Asheeq Ali has accused Teresa Kok of trying to stifle free speech after the primary industries minister hit out at an international school for organising a concert where students gave a presentation seen as supporting the anti-palm oil lobby.

Asheeq said Kok’s criticism of the school goes against Pakatan Harapan’s promise to restore freedom of speech, and urged her to retract her remarks.

“I urge Teresa Kok and the government of Malaysia to seriously take into account freedom of expression and freedom of education, especially in educational institutions,” he said.

Yesterday, Kok accused the school in Kuala Lumpur of not supporting the government’s efforts to counter the anti-palm oil lobby, following a viral video clip showing students taking turns to speak out against the palm oil industry during a school concert.

She also said several international schools had not allowed her officers to give talks on the benefits of palm oil.

Asheeq said Kok’s claim that the school was sabotaging the government’s efforts at countering the anti-palm oil lobby would have a negative impact on students and teachers.

“The government should encourage more critical thinking among the teachers and students, not silence them by slamming them publicly on the media,” he said. - FMT