SHAH ALAM – The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community is expressing support for political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri after she was summoned by the police over one of her opinions.
Students and academics have also urged stronger protection for academic freedom, stressing the importance of independent thought in public discourse.
The university’s Political Science Students Association (Possa IIUM) issued a statement on Instagram after Syaza was summoned by the police on March 10 under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The inquiry involved several political figures, non-governmental organisation representatives, academicians and commentators in connection with a suspected offence under Section 124B of the Penal Code relating to activities deemed detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
Possa IIUM expressed concern that questioning academics over their views could pose risks to academic freedom.
“We believe that it is never the intention of our academic community to give opinions that will risk our nation's stability or conspire against our nation's top leadership.
“Possa firmly believes that any comments made on contemporary political development, especially about political leaders, shouldn't be seen as criticism that is detrimental to our parliamentary democracy,” the statement read.
The association stated that universities and scholars played a vital role in producing knowledge and offering perspectives that benefit society.
It added that inquiries into academic commentary could potentially discourage scholars from engaging in discussions on matters of public interest.
“We call for continued commitment from all stakeholders to uphold and protect academic freedom, ensuring scholars are able to engage responsibly with the public while maintaining independence,” the statement read.
The association also warned that investigations involving academics could have broader implications for the intellectual environment.
“It threatens the very foundation of the university as a sanctuary for rigorous, uncompromised intellectual discourse.
“A thriving democracy requires critique, not blind compliance. If our scholars are silenced, the quality of our education and the future of our nation’s political maturity is directly compromised,” it said.
When contacted, Syaza said she had already given her statement to the police and described the questioning process as lengthy but transparent.
“I’m okay! They took my statement and that’s it. The questioning was about one and a half hours.
“I literally did nothing wrong, but I understand the police have to do their job,” she told Sinar Daily.
She added that the investigators had clarified the scope of the inquiry from the beginning.
“They were very transparent from the beginning. They told me which statement it was and what the investigation is related to. It’s just that I never experienced anything like this, so I was shocked,” she said.
Syaza also acknowledged the strong support she had received from the academic community following the incident.
“I think the academic community especially, has been very exceptional in coming out to support me because they’re afraid it could be them,” she said.
She added that the situation has raised broader concerns about how academic opinions may be interpreted in public discourse.
She said no academic wants to think that whatever statement they said can be taken out of context that would get the police involved.
“So even if the investigation is not on me, it has a chilling effect on academics. Now they might be thinking twice before making statements,” she said.
Reports indicated the summons was linked to a statement made by Syaza in a news report published in December 2024.
Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism chief executive officer Pushpan Murugiah and several other academics and political commentators were also reportedly called in by the police as part of the same investigation.