UM Student Union President Akaree and Deputy President Lim Jing Jie were summoned by the police on Wednesday (April 16) to record statements to assist in the investigation of the union’s earlier statement supporting Raub durian farmers.
According to Lim Jing Jie, the union had issued the statement on the previous Sunday (April 13), aiming to express respect for the appellate court's ruling, but it was opposed by two other student organizations from the university.
Lim Jing Jie, who is also the president of UM Young New, stated in his statement on Thursday (April 17) that although the student union cabinet's stance remains firm, the statement has been taken down from official social media pages out of respect for other members of the student union.
He pointed out that the two organizations even jointly submitted a co-signed letter asking the university to intervene, with one of the organizations filing a police report on the matter.
UM Young New believes that the actions of the two organizations are inappropriate, suppressing student autonomy and contradicting speech, while the student union's statement was lawful and clear in its position, accusing them of using the opportunity to defame and manipulate politically.
UM Young New reiterated its commitment to defending the autonomy and freedom of expression of student organizations, stating that freedom of speech is the foundation of a democratic society, and everyone has the right to speak out against injustice.
“If even calling for justice becomes a crime, then silence will become the norm in society, and those that will suffer the most will ultimately be the country's democratic foundation.”