University student councils slammed for ‘blind’ support for government after condemning Turun protests

Carolyn M. Pride July 25, 2022 2 min read

On Saturday July 23, more than 100 people identified as Turun movement made up of groups of studentstook to the streets to protest against price hikes and rising ministers’ salaries outside the Sogo shopping complex in KL.

Even though it was a peaceful protest, the group was arrested by the policewhich formed several layers of blockade.

Although the protest is supported by Malaysians, especially young people, there seems to be certain groups who totally oppose it.

Recently, student councils at several local universities (MPPs) took to their social media pages to condemn the demonstration and urge students not to participate.

The student councils of Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan are among those who released a statement.

Some of the reasons they were against the protest included do not believe in disorder as a method to solve the problemthe idea that demonstrations tarnish the reputation of the country and the government while claiming that demonstrations are illegal.

Blindly supporting the government?

Statements issued by student councils of various universities received quick response from Malaysians on social networks that condemned them for criticizing students’ right to demonstrate.

“MPPs (are just) followers. They don’t really fight for the students and just follow what the university leadership and ministry want.

“It’s time for all universities to have their own student union,” said one user.

Another Internet user compared MPPs to the HR department of companies. “They work for management. Not for students or workers“, they explained.

“Students in this country should receive the opportunity to express feelings towards any party. Members of Parliament should act as intermediaries and not just condemn groups of students who have chosen another way to express their feelings. Protect your peers, don’t go against them“said another user.