Suspension 'an oppressive move' against Adam

The suspension of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) student Adam Adli Abdul Halim for three semesters is an oppressive move directed to limit the freedom of expression of students in tertiary institutions.

Lembah Pantai MP and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar (left) said even if it was an offence, the punishment should have been meted in an educative manner and not in any way to create a culture of fear.

“The action to suspend Adam Adli is oppressive and is politically motivated, to prevent students in institutions of higher learning to express their views freely,” she said.

“As university students and the pulse of the country’s youth, they should be given leeway to express their views, and not be curbed. Where else can a university student act freely if not at the university,” asked Nurul Izzah.

She added the disciplinary committee’s decision was in fact lowering the university’s image and reputation.

“UPSI as an institution of higher learning and has a long history with the rise of Malaysia’s nationalism. I urge Malaysians to rise and defend the rights of university students in the struggle for a better Malaysia,” urged Nurul Izzah.

Adam Adli was yesterday suspended 18 months for damaging UPSI’s reputation by lowering the flag bearing the portrait of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at the Umno headquarters in Putra World Trade Centre.
          
'Continue the struggle for academic freedom'

Meanwhile, PKR friendly non-governmental organisation Jingga 13 also condemned the suspension order, saying Adam was not given the right to have his lawyer.

Jingga 13 secretary Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad (left) said the action “was a loss to the country..., an institution which is supposed to train future teachers has suspended a student who is progressive and brave to state his stand”.

“We fully support Adam Adli and hope he will use the suspension period to continue campaigning for academic freedom.”

Saifuddin said this is a maturing process for Adam and it will open opportunities for other students to pursue academic freedom.
                          
He said Adam’s suspension only proves that the Universities and University Colleges Act is repressive and hinders the development of university students.

Adam said he intends to pursue legal recourse and challenge the suspension as appealing the decision with the “university would be meaningless”.

“UPSI has made a decision which disrespects academic freedom, it is very bias. Imagine, two (out of eight) jury members were from Umno,” the 22-year-old student added.