KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysiakini columnist Andrew Sia has defended his use of the term “apartheid” in describing Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) racial admission policies, emphasising that the context and evolving meanings of words are crucial in understanding his intent.
Sia clarified that his use of “apartheid” referred to discrimination, noting that UiTM exclusively admitted Malay students. He compared it to terms such as “gender apartheid,” which denotes gender discrimination, rather than South Africa’s historical context.
“Similarly, if someone says ‘gender apartheid,’ that doesn’t mean the oppression of old South Africa. It refers to gender discrimination.
“Now, if you yourself insist that a university should be segregated for only ‘one’ racial group, isn’t the term Apartheid Academy justified?” Sia posted on Facebook today.
However, Sia underscored that he had never challenged Bumiputera rights, but those from other races needed to be uplifted in the education sector.
He said he was merely a “semi-retired” person who did not want to argue with any parties, and he did not have the wealth or backing of politicians with thousands of followers on social media.
“I never challenged Bumi rights. I just said the poor of ‘all’ races need help. That’s what Anwar has said, too.
“I don’t want to fight with anyone. I am just a semi-retired person of modest means. I don’t have the money, machinery or might of politicians with thousands of followers.
“I can only present my ideas to improve Malaysia and hope that people can discuss and debate them in a civilised manner. Not with dozens of police reports that claim things I never meant nor said.”
Earlier, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the youth wing would mobilise its members to lodge reports against Malaysiakini and Sia over the article titled “Our Apartheid Academy, UiTM.”
He said the article was defamatory and incendiary to the point of undermining national unity.
Akmal drew a sharp distinction between apartheid, a system of racial segregation historically practised in South Africa, and the affirmative action policies underpinning UiTM.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Sia would be called up to assist in investigations regarding the article. He said police may also call the news portal’s editor to record a statement.
Police are investigating the case under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955. – May 26, 2024