They said he had ignored the existence of draconian laws and cases of students being hauled up for voicing their opinions.
Speaking to FMT, Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said the government had developed a strong culture of fear among students and youths by punishing those who spoke up.
“It is so easy for Khairy to say that we should speak up. I guess he is in his fantasy world.
“We have spoken up a lot but, in return, what we got were warnings, fines and suspension.
“It would be nice to have a country where we are free to speak up and be heard but, unfortunately, Malaysia is way too far from that kind of situation.
“The government only wants the youths to speak what they want to hear,” Asheeq said.
Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur International Youth Discourse recently, Khairy had called on the younger generation to be vocal in demanding that the government take into consideration the global challenges that could threaten the security of Malaysians.
The minister had said it was important for youth to reach out to the policymakers and speak up on what they think should be addressed today. They also need to speak on the priorities for tomorrow.
All these would have an impact on their lives, the minister said.
Asheeq reminded Khairy that 12 students had been subjected to disciplinary action under Section 15(3) of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), which he said prohibited the freedom of speech.
He said it was worse when Universiti Malaya recently issued a gag order, stopping students from giving out public statements on the university and government policies.
“Before asking the youths to speak up, repeal all the draconian laws that restrict our freedom of expression or, in the future, expect youths to totally distance themselves from politics.
“That would be fatal for our country’s future development.”
UM student activist Anis Syafiqah Md Yusof also said there was no logic in asking youths to speak up when they would be subjected to disciplinary action for doing so.
“Why is it that when students try to speak up, to have checks and balances in the government, they get charged instead?
“If the minister wants youths to be more vocal, why doesn’t the government deal with the education ministry and the universities that hinder students’ participation? Students are also youths.”
Anis said being vocal did not mean that one should only speak on matters that favour the government.
Asheeq and Anis Syafiqah were found guilty of participating in the #Tangkap MO1 rally, which took place in Kuala Lumpur in August last year.
Following the rally, Anis was suspended for a semester while Asheeq was suspended for a semester and fined RM200 for his participation in the rally.
Asheeq was charged with tarnishing the university’s reputation and violating the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 by participating in the Aug 27 rally.
UM Association of New Youth (Umany) president Tan Jia You said the government was being hypocritical as students could get charged for speaking up on something not favourable to the government.
“I think the youths should be vocal and they should be allowed to speak up.”
Tan was among four students who faced disciplinary action for holding placards with the words “Students want answers”, “1MDB don’t spin”, and “1MDB – We want answers” while 1MDB group executive director and president Arul Kanda was addressing students at an event.
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