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PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there have never been restrictions on academics from discussing the 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues - as long as it does not incite hatred and seditious feelings.
"The government has never denied freedom of speech. However, it must be utilised accordingly by expressing statements, criticisms, or views that can bring benefit to the people.
"In this country, I emphasised to the Higher Education Minister (Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir) that any discussions about the 3Rs should only be restricted when those statements have crossed the line, inciting hatred between races, using religion to harm others, or easily manipulating people, as it could bring disaster among the public.
Speaking during the memorial ceremony for the Late Syed Husin Ali, he also called for the establishment of the Syed Husin Ali Chair at any faculty at Universiti Malaya (UM) to delve deeper into the scholar’s intellectual contributions
“The Syed Husin Chair would fail if we restricted it to a narrow focus. It must engage in broader themes which includes the people, Malaysia, humanity and championing (justice).
"He was unwavering in his stance on governance and the welfare of the people, particularly regarding poverty. Many of his works addressed these crucial issues," said Anwar.
Anwar also approved a RM200,000 grant to the UM Social Science Association to conduct research and evaluate Syed Husin’s writings.
Syed Husin, a former PKR deputy president and a founding member of the party, died on June 29 due to cancer at the age of 87.
He was a close friend and fellow activist of Anwar and served as a lecturer and professor at UM, where he specialised in social sciences. - September 21, 2024