By Prof Datuk Dr Kassim Noor Mohamed

The speech by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir in Parliament on Oct 24, highlighting the need to review the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605), is a significant statement. This move, I believe, will greatly contribute to reinvigorating academic freedom and fostering rigorous discourse on issues pertinent to academics and their fields of expertise.

Academic discourse should be viewed as a valuable contribution to a body of knowledge that government and policymakers can leverage to strengthen national governance. In this context, academics should be seen as constructive allies, offering critical insights when discussing policies and assessing governmental performance. However, a crucial caveat must be observed: academic freedom should not be misused as a platform for unfounded criticism or for questioning policies without substantial evidence or facts.

In the United Kingdom, academic freedom is a legal right for academic staff, originally established under the Education Reform Act 1988. This legislation safeguards the ability of academics to question, critique and propose new ideas and perspectives freely, without fear of jeopardising their employment or privileges. Such a principle is equally crucial in the context of Malaysia. It’s essential to recognise that freedom of speech, alongside academic freedom and intellectual rigour, forms a foundational pillar of higher education.

As a higher learning institution, the Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (ELMU), which specialises in law enforcement education and training, must remain committed to its mission of advancing professionalism within the field of law enforcement. In this regard, public academic discussions within ELMU’s context are intended to bolster law enforcement standards through rigorous debate and scholarly insight. It is essential for law enforcement stakeholders to consider the recommendations and expertise of academic professionals, as these contributions can play a pivotal role in elevating the performance and standards of law enforcement agencies.

Catalyst supporting government initiatives

Academia, via discourse and freedom, serve as a vital catalyst in supporting and strengthening government initiatives. In my view, any attempt to restrict academic discussion within an academic context would be a step backward. Therefore, the Higher Education Minister’s recent remarks on certain legislative acts – acts that some perceive as restrictive – reflect his understanding that such measures may have an adverse impact on academic freedom of expression. Academia should be recognised as a collective of institutions that effectively functions as an unofficial think tank for the government, offering arguments and suggestions grounded in rigorous research rather than conjecture. Globally, academic institutions have always held a degree of independence that enables constructive critique of government policies. Academics should not be viewed as adversaries but rather as constructive partners in policy discourse.

Establishing a speaker’s corner on the ELMU campus – reminiscent of the open forums of the 1970s, where individuals freely expressed their views on current affairs – could serve as a valuable platform for advancing engagement and professionalism within law enforcement. This space would provide an opportunity not only for academics but also for students to discuss contemporary policies, propose constructive suggestions, and contribute to meaningful public dialogue.

Such an initiative exemplifies how higher education institutions can foster intellectual engagement and civic responsibility. Here, ideas and arguments could be presented, scrutinised, and debated openly, promoting a culture of thoughtful analysis and evaluation without fear or favour. This environment would help prepare future leaders and law enforcement professionals to approach issues critically and collaboratively, benefiting both governance and society as a whole.

Halting erosion of academic expression

In the pursuit of knowledge, the principles of free speech and academic freedom are fundamental to advancing new ideas, fostering productive debate, and challenging conventional wisdom. These principles promote a culture that deeply values intellectual discourse, particularly when engaging with complex, contentious or discomforting topics.

A high-quality education is inseparable from a foundation in free speech, where critical, constructive and positive evaluation thrives. This freedom must extend to students, academics, their mentors and guest speakers alike, creating an inclusive environment for robust intellectual exchange.

Hence, the recent announcement by the Higher Education Minister represents a significant move in safeguarding intellectual discourse and academic freedom – a necessity in our current times, perhaps more than ever. This action signals an important commitment to halting the erosion of academic expression, which is essential for nurturing a vibrant educational landscape.

-- BERNAMA

Prof Datuk Dr Kassim Noor Mohamed is Vice Chancellor of the Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (ELMU).