Students' freedom of speech respected, says UMS

KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) respects students' freedom of speech and encourages the ethical and responsible sharing of information and views through official platforms.
In a statement issued by UMS's corporate communication centre, it said that students have freedom of speech under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.
This statement comes after the varsity's student body, Suara Mahasiswa UMS, announced plans for a Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 peaceful assembly next month to voice concerns about water supply issues and other pressing matters.
"As a public institution which upholds integrity and good administration, UMS wishes to stress that the welfare of students will always remain a priority," UMS said.
"Since the water supply issue began, many mitigation measures have been taken proactively, including installing static water tanks, supply via lorries, tube well installation, and continued collaboration with the Sabah Water Department and other authorities," it said.
It added that students could voice their concerns through platforms such as their student council and the student affairs department.
"UMS is committed to remaining a professional, progressive, and authoritative higher learning institution for the benefit of the campus and community," it added.
UMS student Qistina Qaisara Syahril Akmar shared her personal opinion, stating that such commitment to respecting their freedom of speech is very much welcomed.
She said it is a correct move, which should have been in practice for a long time, adding that this helps to educate and create future leaders.
"In welcoming this statement, we must also remember that freedom of speech is not a gift but a right that we have been fighting for despite the pressures received during this journey," she said.
Although Qistina is speaking personally, she is also the deputy president of Suara Mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
She believes a university is not only a place to seek pointers and education but a platform to build intellectual, moral, and civic bravery.
Qistina added that the students were not staging assemblies blindly but were doing it for the sake of fairness and the benefit of all students.
Previously, this group staged its first Gempur Rasuah rally on December 31 last year.

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