Academic Freedom and Act 605: A Call for Exemption from Statutory Bodies Act
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak) has called on the higher education minister to exempt public universities from the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act, or Act 605, following a recent controversy surrounding a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) circular.
The Controversy
Last Thursday, FMT reported that UKM had issued a circular barring its staff from making public statements, especially those that disparage the government or highlight weaknesses in its policies and decisions. The circular was based on a reminder by the chief secretary to the government that public servants were not allowed to make any public statement unless specifically authorised to do so. Later, UKM clarified that it did not bar its staff from making public statements, whether verbally or in writing, even on social media.
Academic Freedom and Act 605
Gerak described Act 605 as an "insidious" law that restricts academic freedom and research. They argue that public universities should not be subject to this act, which they believe is designed to gag public servants and restrict their freedom of expression.
In a statement, Gerak said: "If the minister is indeed concerned about university autonomy and academic freedom, he should be actively working towards the removal of the repugnant restrictions of the Act." They also criticized other academic organisations for not speaking out against Act 605, saying: "The irony is that, when it is imposed, as in UKM’s case, we get objections and protests by academics and others, seemingly without them being aware of the existence of Act 605. And even if they are aware of the Act, they are unwilling to oppose it openly, publicly."
Minister’s Remarks
Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has sided with the academics, saying that freedom of expression for university academics would remain protected as long as it was rooted in their respective disciplines and research. He also stated that universities should not restrict academics from sharing their views and ideas, including under Act 605.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding UKM’s circular has highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of Act 605 and its impact on academic freedom and research. Gerak’s call for exempting public universities from this act is timely and necessary to ensure that academic freedom is protected and academic integrity is maintained.
FAQs
- What is Act 605?
Act 605 is the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act that governs public servants and their freedom of expression. - Why is Gerak calling for the exemption of public universities from Act 605?
Gerak believes that Act 605 restricts academic freedom and research, and public universities should not be subject to its provisions. - What is the minister’s stance on Act 605 and academic freedom?
Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has stated that freedom of expression for university academics would remain protected as long as it was rooted in their respective disciplines and research. He also believes that universities should not restrict academics from sharing their views and ideas, including under Act 605.