Probe against academic insults intellectual discourse

We, the Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak) condemn the criminalising and “policing” of academic opinions.

The recent opening of a police investigation file on Professor Emeritus Teo Kok Seong is an affront to academic freedom. It is also an insult to intellectual discourse and critical and independent thinking in the country.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has on numerous occasions called on schools and universities to encourage critical thinking. He has mentioned in several public statements that critical thinking is necessary to curb extremism.

In a 2023 speech, for example, Anwar rationalised that when people fail to reason and be intellectually critical, extremists and intolerant elements fester in society. Such elements create ethnic and religious divisions, which would ultimately destroy any hope for patriotism and ethno-religious cohesion.

Teo’s comments about the existence of vernacular schools, the growing ethnic divisions in our society, and his opinion that the former perpetuates the latter are his opinions.

If anyone disagrees, engage Teo (above) in a rational and critical debate. Counter his opinions with logical rebuttals. Malaysians should use their intellect to counter such views rather than resorting to feebleminded attempts and issuing police reports.

Even though Gerak does not agree with the professor’s opinions, nevertheless we uphold his right to express differing views. We stand by the need to uphold academic freedom in the country, rather than to silence dissenting views simply because politicians and others may disagree with them.

As such, Gerak condemns the investigation of Teo under both the Penal Code (Section 505) and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Section 233).

Politics, politicians to blame

Gerak firmly believes that vernacular schools are not the reason why our society is facing a severe erosion in national identity and ethno-religious cohesion.

Rather, it is clear that the presence of vernacular schools in Malaysia offers growing opportunities for intercultural dialogue and understanding, which are fundamental to building a multicultural and cohesive society.

We believe that by encouraging students from different ethno-religious backgrounds to learn about and appreciate each other’s cultures, we can foster greater empathy and solidarity among Malaysia's diverse communities.

Unfortunately, the growing polarisation in Malaysia is due more to the political system, which is characterised by ethnic-based political parties and the clamour among politicians for vote banks based on ethnicity and religion.

Also, politicians in the country today are increasingly rejecting the value of healthy debate, critical thinking, and to uplift mature, fact-based, and rational discourse in society. Instead, they prefer to stifle dissenting opinions. This is an assault on the right to think.

Teo’s right to air his views on vernacular schools or the Chinese community, in general, is his prerogative as a scholar. His right to express an alternative opinion because he is a thinking human being should be celebrated, rather than condemned.

Academic freedom key to matured society

Furthermore, the knee-jerk reaction by certain quarters in the public and political domain to lodge police reports further divides, rather than unites the country.

Gerak will continue to speak out against the incessant intimidation and harassment of all academics.

There has been a history of such harassment in the past when scholars such as Azmi Sharom, P Ramasamy, Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Mohd Faizal Musa (also known as Faisal Tehrani), and Syed Husin Ali were subject to intense harassment and intimidation. This must stop.

Ultimately, the respect for academic freedom is paramount for the development of a cohesive, informed, and intellectually matured society.

Scholars must be free to speak the truth based either on empirical evidence or to offer opinions that are informed by rational, matured, and critical thinking.  - Mkini

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The MALAYSIAN ACADEMIC MOVEMENT (Gerak) is an association of Malaysian academics committed to educational reforms.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.