Protesters from the Association of Peninsular Malaysia Students (GPMS) said it was Rahim’s academic freedom to be part of the Malay Dignity Conference on Oct 6, which sparked controversy over speeches questioning the citizenship of non-Malays.

GPMS president Mohd Alif Anas said Rahim had exercised his right in his capacity as an academic.

This comes after UM graduate Wong Yan Ke was investigated over his solo protest against Rahim after receiving his scroll at the university’s graduation ceremony this week.

Alif urged Rahim’s critics to respect his academic freedom.

“We urge the education ministry and Education Minister Maszlee Malik to give his full assurance and protection to the university and its vice-chancellor based on the principle of academic freedom,” he said at the gathering after Friday prayers at the Ar-Rahman Mosque here.

Meanwhile, PPBM supreme council member Dr Muhammad Faiz Na’aman defended Rahim, saying there was no proof he uttered racist statements as alleged by Wong.

He said critics like Wong are “allergic to efforts by the academics to unite the Malays”.

“What if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong called on Muslims in the country to unite during Friday sermons or while giving a speech in conjunction with Aidilfitri? Is that considered racist too?” he asked.

Wong, a civil engineering graduate, had told FMT he was protesting against Rahim for allowing the university’s name to be used at the Malay Dignity Congress.

The congress organised by UM and three other public universities made headlines after chief organiser Zainal Kling reportedly said Malaysia belonged to the Malays.