UiTM's reason to reject dialogue with Syed Saddiq is unreasonable, says Muda

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (Muda) is upset with the response from the management of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam which rejected request to hold a dialogue on 'Interns Are Not Forced Labour' with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

The party's secretary-general, Amir Hadi said the programme, which was scheduled to take place at 10pm on Thursday at the university's Dataran Cendekia in Shah Alam, was rejected on the grounds of wanting to maintain campus harmony.

In addition to that, the university also gave reasons to focus on spiritual programmes in the month of Ramadan, he added.

"The reasons given are completely unacceptable. It also goes against the spirit of the Unity Government which is supported by progressive groups that have championed academic freedom for a long time.

"UiTM's action to block such a dialogue programme from being held is the reason why #JelajahMansuhAUKU was initiated by a group of students. "The university, which should be a forum for debate, is stymied by outdated laws, among other things." "The issue of students being treated like forced labour without any payment for industrial training is also not a new issue and must be resolved immediately," he said in a statement today.

As Amir explained, universities should be more open, and Muda will support all student efforts to demand academic autonomy and freedom.

He also said that the party is ready to ensure that outdated laws such as the University and University College Act and Act 174 are repealed and replaced with laws that no longer restrict students.

"Abolishing AUKU is one of Pakatan Harapan's promises in the manifesto before GE15 (15th General Election), which must be implemented.

"Well done, 'Kelas Demokrasi' who stood firm to continue the event despite being blocked. We also express our commitment to attend on March 30," he explained.