Prominent human rights lawyer and activist Siti Kasim has voiced serious concerns over what she sees as a growing culture of intellectual intolerance and religious rigidity within Malaysia’s public universities. Her remarks come in response to protests led by a student group at Universiti Malaya (UM) against a recent forum titled "Is Malaysia a Secular or Islamic Country?"—an event in which she was invited to speak.
The group, calling itself Neo-Siswa UM, objected to Siti’s involvement, accusing her of promoting values sympathetic to the LGBT community. In a candid and fiery response posted on her YouTube channel, Siti questioned the group’s resistance to open dialogue and accused them of clinging to a narrow mindset that stifles academic discourse.
“I don’t know what their problem with me is … Is it because Siti Kasim voices the truth or is it because Siti Kasim is daring to speak up against something that they’re unwilling to listen”, She questioned.
Siti went on to criticize the students for their unwillingness to engage with differing perspectives, highlighting a broader issue of ideological rigidity that she believes is taking root in public institutions. She expressed disbelief that individuals with such closed mindsets have found a place in a university environment meant to foster critical thinking and debate.
Challenging the label of being “LGBT-slant,” Siti reaffirmed her advocacy for human rights across all communities, including those often marginalized or misunderstood and asked, “Are they implying that I always defend the rights of citizens whether they belong to the LBGT group (in particular, transvestites) or regardless of their race and creed to live on the Malaysian soil without disruption by the government or anyone if they don’t break the law.”
She also raised concerns about the education system, arguing that it has, over time, cultivated a mindset that demonizes differences and discourages open-mindedness. “These students seem unable to comprehend that the world is filled with people who think differently, and that’s not something to fear.”
Siti Kasim ended her statement with an invitation for dissenting students to attend the forum, ask questions, and challenge ideas respectfully. “I therefore cordially invite them to the forum to hear us out … You u may not like what you hear but there is where you pick up some academic skill to question or listen to the answers … It’s fine if you don’t like what you hear as everyone has their own opinion.”
Information Source: Focus Malaysia
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