Zambry: Restrictions on pro-Israel speaker for security, nation’s image

 

The restriction imposed on visiting professors and speakers who are pro-Israel must be seen from the aspects of security and country’s image which may be affected and tarnished because of their statements.

Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said, therefore, the allegation that the restriction would affect academic freedom should not be raised.

“I hope those who commented on this can distinguish between the context of academic freedom and freedom that touches on the country’s image and reputation,” he told reporters after attending the Higher Education Ministry’s Aifilfitri celebration today.

Zambry said this in response to the statement made by a local professor that Universiti Malaya should not have apologised for inviting the American professor Bruce Gilley who made controversial and disrespectful statements during his lecture at the university recently.

The presence of the pro-Israel political science professor at the university went viral on X on Wednesday after it was uploaded by the academic himself.

However, it received a backlash from Malaysians before the post was deleted by Gilley, who also informed that he had departed from Malaysia.

Bruce Gilley

Meanwhile, Zambry reiterated the ministry’s stance which encourages every university to check the backgrounds of academicians before inviting anyone to any programme.

“If you look at this man (Gilley) and his background, even his writings...in the context of colonialism and imperialism, how can you allow this kind of lecturer to come and teach us?

“We have so many professors here, much better than this guy. Again, I want to stress that this is not a question of trying to curb the freedom of academics in Malaysia, this is about image...and the statement that came out of the context of the academic line,” he said.

The minister also described Gilley's claim that Malaysia is not a safe country to visit as a very dangerous statement that causes discomfort to many parties.

“Even the United States Embassy in Malaysia is not comfortable with the statement issued by the professor. Today, the embassy even reaffirms that Malaysia is still a safe country to travel,” he added.

- Bernama