Najib, why not let UIA students discuss GST?
Najib’s ‘ask why’ goes awry
But I was disappointed to learn that not more than 24 hour later of our PM saying he encouraged students to “ask why”, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) security had taken action to prevent a forum discussion on Goods and Services Tax (GST) organised by the university’s student union with opposition MP Rafizi Ramli invited as a guest speaker.
It looks like whilst our PM encourages students to “ask why” and consider both sides of views (‘for’ and ‘against’), this is not necessarily being followed by those in charge of our universities.
Maybe instead of just giving popular speeches on moderation, human rights and free speech, the PM should focus some of his time to ensure his views are actually implemented by government institutions and agencies.
Goldee: Najib thought the students are stupid. He thought the students are kids who can’t think for themselves.
He underestimated the students, many of whom are definitely smarter than him. The people has been asking him ‘why is this” and ‘why is that’ but we never get an answer.
Apa Ini?: Why was Altantuya Shaariibuu C4-ed by your personal bodyguards? Why do you think the lack of motive in the murder is unimportant? Why swear in the mosque when you don’t know her anyway.
Why did we buy the Scorpene submarines? Why do you have so much money in the bank when all your life you’ve been only a government servant? Why did your brothers deny you were ever rich through inheritance? Need more ‘whys’?
CQ Muar: Why so many questions from all quarters awaiting your response, Najib? Why do you opt for silence and why the reluctance to explain and enlighten? Afraid of the truth? Why?
Desperate for Change: Are you not embarrassed that people no longer trust you to lead them, Najib?
When people condemn you and other leaders tell you outright that you are no longer capable, should you not be listening and telling yourself that you are an item well past its expiration date and it is time for you to remove yourself from the shelf?
6th Generation Immigrant: I have a question and it starts with a ‘why’ – Why has Umno politicised the education system?
Malaysia is today producing duds (a thing that fails to work properly or is otherwise unsatisfactory or worthless). I have the answer and I hope you are listening – depoliticise education today.
Abasir: When will Najib learn not to rely on his speech writers and advisers who clearly are leading him into deep waters? Or is he so out of touch with the sentiment on the ground that he keeps walking into the quicksand?
Perhaps it’s time Malaysiakini starts a column titled ‘Ask why’. Malaysians may then take the cue and pose a series of ‘why’ questions which may be rated by a panel for being the most incisive.
Scuffle after UIA security halt forum with Rafizi
Tholu: Whoever the Umno minister is who claimed that our education system is world class must now drop his head low realising his delusion and follies in his outlandish assertion. He would have come to his senses after this incident in UIA.
If university students are not even allowed to listen to a healthy debate on a topic that has kindled a sudden political interest, what kind of future generations are we molding?
Does the government want our higher education students to be just like the person who snapped the microphone from Rafizi – uneducated, uninspired and foolishly servile to the despotic authorities?
Vijay47: Department of Special Affairs (Jasa) representative Lokman Adam, your sentiments may be with Umno but your head is definitely in the right place.
Very few Umno members will ever stand up for “fairness” and thus it is very refreshing when you spoke out against Rafizi being barred against speaking.
Public universities are funded by the public. Where does Umno get the notion that all such institutions, including the television stations, belong to it and that members of the opposition must have no access to them?
Apart from reflecting the Umno concept of decency and open-mindedness, acts such as what happened on Wednesday night also show Umno’s insecurity and desperation.
Versey: This is ridiculous! Didn’t schools in this country teach proper social behaviour and respect for others? Don’t tell me that not only the education standard has dropped; even etiquette of proper conduct taught in schools has also dropped.
How could any learned person in the university administration give permission to that uncouth security chief Razali Mohamad to behave so rudely to an invited guest, who is an elected and well-respected parliamentarian?
Odysseus: If BN can implement a policy, why can’t they debate it in front of a crowd. This is a golden opportunity for them to perform and shine in front of university students.
Yellow Bird: UIA students, ask Najib why.
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