Student activist Adam Adli suspended for three semesters

Student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim has been suspended for three semesters over charges of damaging the reputation of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

The 22-year-old undergraduate was hauled up before the disciplinary committee today after taking part in a rally demanding academic freedom on Dec 17.

Adam created a stir after he lowered a flag depicting Umno head and premier Najib Abdul Razak at Umno's headquarters in the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) during the rally, replacing it with a pro-students banner.
He told reporters later that he intends to pursue legal recourse to challenge the suspension as appealing the decision with the “university would be meaningless”.
“UPSI had made a decision which disrespects academic freedom, it is very bias. Imagine, two (out of eight) jury members were from Umno,” he hit out.

“After a heated argument, I was just fed up (because) I know this is a trial under the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA),” said Adam, after which he tore the copy of verdict.

Some of UPSI academics who sat on the disciplinary committee were Zainal Kling, Wan Azmi Mustapha and Rosli Taib as well as Ahmad Zainudin and Zakaria Kafa.

"I don’t care if I’m suspended... we will fight this in court," he said, adding that the suspension has been enforced with immediate effect.

Controversial law

The third-year student is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and is in his fifth semester.

After the one-hour hearing some 300 students, in support of Adam, gathered at the gates of the university in Tanjung Malim.

According to the charge, Adam was suspended for “damaging the good name of UPSI” and “endangered morals and public order”.

“They said that the act of lowering the flag of Najib had the whole country in chaos. I was given a chance to appeal but what for?

“Every time I wanted to answer, they interrupted, what else can I say? They had a prosecutor, I was on my own,” added Adam, explaining that under Section 16 of the UUCA, students are not allowed representation by a lawyer.

Solidarity Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) president Syukri Razab also rebuked the move saying that the restrictive law gives too much power to one entity.

“This is Section 16 under the UUCA - the person who prosecutes, the complainant and the judge is the same - this is why the decision is prejudiced to Adam,” he said, urging for the controversial law to be repealed.

Previously, Adam has refused to apologise for his actions, insisting that it would defeat the purpose of the protest, which is intended to champion autonomy in higher learning institutions, among others.