No action, but UMS will advise students on responsibilities of freedom
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will not take action against students involved in an anti-graft demonstration, as advised by the prime minister, said vice chancellor Professor Datuk Kasim Mansur.
However, UMS will advise its students on the responsibilities that come with freedom.
"Given that the prime ,inister has made a statement that no disciplinary action will be pursued, we will comply with the position.
"However, at the university level, we will continue to engage students and help them understand that their freedoms come with responsibility," he said after handing over hybrid "bubu" fish traps to fishermen from Kampung Rampayan in Manggatal near here.
UMS had considered suspending or expelling 13 students involved in the Sabah Gempur Rasuah 2.0 demonstration, including two who had burned an effigy of the prime minister.
Kasim said the university respected students' right to voice their opinions, but there must be a balance between activism and adherence to regulations.
"It has been stated by the higher education minister that the demonstration showed students have space to express themselves.
"However, while AUKU (Universities and University College Act (Amended) 2012) allows students to participate in demonstrations, UMS is of the view that it should not reach a point where good judgment is lost.
"The permission we granted was based on students respecting the law and not engaging in actions that could negatively impact the surrounding community.
"It must be expressed in a civilised manner, without violating regulations. That is our stance on this matter," he said.
On the hybrid "bubu" project, Kasim said it was in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry and aligns with the state's Sabah Maju Jaya agenda to uplift coastal communities through sustainable economic activities in agriculture and fisheries.
"The hybrid fish trap supplements traditional fishing methods and provides an alternative source of income without harming marine ecosystems."
Present were UMS Blue Economy Research and Maritime Safety director Professor Dr Ismail Ali and and Rampayan village chief Amberen Aliamat.
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KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will not take action against students involved in an anti-graft demonstration, as advised by the prime minister, said vice chancellor Professor Datuk Kasim Mansur. However, UMS will advise its students on the responsibilities that come with freedom. "Given that the prime ,inister has made a statement that no disciplinary action will be pursued, we will comply with the position. "However, at the university level, we will continue to engage students and help them understand that their freedoms come with responsibility," he said after handing over hybrid "bubu" fish traps to fishermen from Kampung Rampayan in Manggatal near here. UMS had considered suspending or expelling 13 students involved in the Sabah Gempur Rasuah 2.0 demonstration, including two who had burned an effigy of the prime minister. Kasim said the university respected students' right to voice their opinions, but there must be a balance between activism and adherence to regulations. "It has been stated by the higher education minister that the demonstration showed students have space to express themselves. "However, while AUKU (Universities and University College Act (Amended) 2012) allows students to participate in demonstrations, UMS is of the view that it should not reach a point where good judgment is lost. "The permission we granted was based on students respecting the law and not engaging in actions that could negatively impact the surrounding community. "It must be expressed in a civilised manner, without violating regulations. That is our stance on this matter," he said. On the hybrid "bubu" project, Kasim said it was in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry and aligns with the state's Sabah Maju Jaya agenda to uplift coastal communities through sustainable economic activities in agriculture and fisheries. "The hybrid fish trap supplements traditional fishing methods and provides an alternative source of income without harming marine ecosystems." Present were UMS Blue Economy Research and Maritime Safety director Professor Dr Ismail Ali and and Rampayan village chief Amberen Aliamat.
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