UM grad charged over convocation protest

Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate Wong Yan Ke was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court today concerning his protest against the vice-chancellor during last year's convocation.

The former student activist claimed trial to insulting with intent to provoke breach of the peace under Section 504 of the Penal Code.

He was calm when he pleaded not guilty before magistrate Fardiana Haryanti Ahmad.

He was alleged to have committed the offence around 10am at UM on Oct 14 last year.

Fardiana then allowed bail at RM3,000 with one surety and set March 26 for mention.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Wong would be charged over his protest against the vice-chancellor during his convocation last year.

He told Malaysiakini he received a call from the police informing him that he will be charged at the KL Magistrate's Court today.

The charge under Section 504 carries imprisonment for a term of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction.

When receiving his graduation scroll on stage in October last year, Wong, then an engineering student, yelled “Tolak rasis. Undur VC. Ini Tanah Malaysia. (Reject racists. VC step down. This is Malaysian land.)” while holding up a placard which listed several reasons why VC Abdul Rahim Hashim should resign.

Among the reasons cited by Wong in his protest was that Rahim allegedly promoted racism and hatred, infringed on academic freedom, served as a “political puppet” and failed to solve UM’s financial problems.

Part of his protest, he later claimed, was against Rahim’s alleged “racist” speech during the controversial Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6.

In his speech, Rahim allegedly claimed the change in government after GE14 had eliminated Malay political dominance and asserted that Malay privileges were being questioned.

Rahim is also alleged to have warned others not to challenge the social contract.

The university condemned the move and lodged a police report, stating while it supported the principle of freedom of expression, the act disrespected the convocation ceremony and tarnished the good name of UM.

[More to follow] - Mkini