TAWAU: The action taken by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to impose disciplinary measures on two of its students should not be politicised or perceived as an attempt to suppress freedom of speech.
Instead, it should be evaluated within the framework of adherence to the rules and governance of higher education institutions.
Sabah community activist, Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, stated that the remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, urging UMS to reconsider the disciplinary actions should be respected as a personal opinion.
However, he said the university also has the right and responsibility to enforce existing regulations.
He noted that every public higher education institution (IPTA) has rules, codes of ethics, and guidelines that all students must follow, regardless of their background or status.
“As a public university subject to various acts, regulations, and administrative procedures, UMS has the authority to conduct investigations and take disciplinary action if there are violations of the established rules.
“We cannot only discuss the right to freedom of speech while simultaneously neglecting the responsibilities and discipline that form the foundation of an educational institution,” he said when asked to comment on the issue today.
He added that the principle of freedom of speech practiced in a democratic country is not an absolute right that allows individuals to act without limitations or to bypass agreed-upon regulations.
He emphasised that university students are indeed encouraged to express their views, provide critiques, and engage in intellectual debates, but all of this must be done through the proper channels and in accordance with the procedures set by the university.
“If there are allegations that the students in question violated university regulations, then the management has the right to conduct the necessary investigation and disciplinary proceedings,” he added.
