Malaysian academic Syaza Shukri was summoned by police over a public opinion, raising concerns about academic freedom and freedom of expression.
PETALING JAYA: Students and staff from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) have voiced support for political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri after she was called in by police for questioning over a public opinion she expressed.
In a statement, the Political Science Students Association of IIUM (POSSA IIUM) said Syaza, who is a faculty member from its political science department, was summoned to Bukit Aman on March 10 to give her statement under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The inquiry is linked to an investigation under Section 124B of the Penal Code, which concerns activities deemed detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
The group said the opinion expressed by Syaza was made in good faith and reflected her right as a member of Malaysia’s academic community to exercise academic freedom.
“POSSA views this issue seriously and questions the motive behind the investigation.
“We believe it is never the intention of our academic community to give opinions that would risk the nation’s stability or conspire against the country’s leadership,” the association said.
It added that comments on contemporary political developments, especially those involving political leaders, should not be seen as criticism that is detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
“Intimidation through police questioning over academic opinions threatens the nation’s intellectual discourse and could potentially silence scholars from discussing political issues that are of interest to the rakyat,” it said.
Syaza, who is also a visiting senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, is frequently sought by the media for her analysis and expertise on Malaysian politics.
The association added that several other individuals from non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, academia and the commentariat were also called in to assist in the investigation.
It stressed that academic discourse should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the country’s political system or national leadership.
“Comments on political developments, including those involving political leaders, should not automatically be seen as criticism that threatens parliamentary democracy,” it said.
POSSA warned that questioning scholars over statements or media quotes could have wider implications for academic freedom and intellectual debate in the country.
It said such actions could discourage academics from speaking openly on political and policy matters that are of public interest.
The association added that universities and scholars play a critical role in generating knowledge and offering critical perspectives that contribute to national development.
“POSSA calls for continued commitment from all stakeholders to uphold and protect academic freedom, ensuring scholars are able to engage responsibly with the public while maintaining the independence essential to academic discourse,” it said.