“UM took note of the advice of the Minister of Higher Education and canceled all planned programs and activities with the participation of a foreign guest,” it said in an announcement on Thursday.
The school also said it might prepare a full report on the controversy surrounding the decision and can improve procedures and implement stricter guidelines, particularly regarding background checks on people or parties it worked with, to forestall similar incidents from occurring in the long run.
Malaysia raises emigrant list as golden visa, and anti-Israel stance becomes an asset
Malaysia raises emigrant list as golden visa, and anti-Israel stance becomes an asset
Meanwhile, amid the growing row, Gilley announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he was leaving Malaysia.
Gilley said he left the country safely and was one step ahead of the “mob” incited by the federal government, which he’ll report later.
On Tuesday, a Portland State University political science professor reportedly downplayed Malaysia’s ties to the United States and was criticized on social media after he allegedly claimed that Malaysia was calling for a “second Holocaust against the Jewish people” during a conversation at UM.
In his lecture titled “Will Malaysia Become an Active Middle Power” on the university, he was quoted as saying: “A rustic whose political leaders advocate a second Holocaust against the Jewish people won’t ever be a serious player in world affairs and will definitely never be a friend or U.S. partner.”
Explaining the matter to X, Gilley said he deleted the post containing a quote from his keynote speech for the security and well-being of his colleagues at UM, whose leadership responded to the scholar protests.
He also added that the quote only reflects his views and that he regrets any harm he has caused to his academic colleagues.
Following the controversy, Higher Education Minister Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir ordered the cancellation of all scheduled programs and activities involving Gilley with immediate effect.
The Municipal Office was also instructed to research the matter and supply details to the minister.
Zambry reminded all agencies under his ministry to stay vigilant and conduct background checks before inviting speakers to an event, and their decisions must take into consideration sensitive issues and be consistent with government policies and positions.
An Israeli accused of smuggling weapons to Malaysia faces several dozen years in prison
An Israeli accused of smuggling weapons to Malaysia faces several dozen years in prison
“Although higher education institutions have the autonomy to decide on intellectual programs, this does not mean they have complete freedom to ignore the sensibilities of the majority of Malaysians,” he said.
Malaysia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, has repeatedly condemned the country for varied attacks on Palestine, including the Gaza war that has killed greater than 34,000 people.
