Convocation Protest Court Fines Ex Um Activist Rm5k

---

 


The Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court today fined activist Wong Yan Ke RM5,000 for 'deliberate insult and disruption of peace' in a case linked to his protest against former Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim.
In passing the verdict, Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan said the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt regarding the charges against Wong (above), framed under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
The former Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) chairperson was slapped with an RM5,000 fine, or in default three months’ jail.
Lawyer Chong Kar Yan said his client would pay the fine but would also appeal against the decision.
In April last year, the Magistrate's Court ordered Wong to enter his defence in the case.
The court ruled that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie (answerable) case against the activist over a charge of insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
‘I will continue fighting’
Commenting on the verdict, Wong vowed to continue his fight and persevere as racism continues to plague Malaysian society.
"Despite my guilty verdict, I do not regret my protest, and I will not cease fighting. I am a UM graduate, I am Chinese, but above all, I am a Malaysian by birth and upbringing.
"Confronted with the decay of university values and pervasive racism in our country, I refuse to take the path of least resistance or become a passive observer of these injustices," Wong said in a statement, adding that he will continue to exercise his freedom of speech.
"Through protest, we can drive progressive reforms, and ensure accountability in governance. Through protest, we mobilise public opinions and empower the public to shape our nation's destiny rather than leaving it solely to politicians.
"Only through protest can we protect the values of pluralism, liberty, equality, and democracy, and remain a human being who is free and equal in dignity and rights."
Protesting ’racism’
On Oct 14, 2019, Wong caused a scene during UM’s convocation protesting against Rahim for alleged racist remarks.
Upon receiving his graduation scroll on stage, the then engineering student yelled: “Tolak rasis. Undur VC. Ini Tanah Malaysia” (Reject racists. VC step down. This is Malaysian land).
Among the reasons Wong cited in his protest was that Rahim allegedly promoted racism and hatred, infringed on academic freedom, served as a “political puppet” and failed to solve UM’s financial problems.
He later alleged that part of his protest was also against Rahim’s “racist” speech during the controversial Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6, 2019.
In his speech, Rahim allegedly claimed that the change in government after the 14th general election had eliminated Malay political dominance and asserted that Malay privileges were being questioned.
Rahim also allegedly warned others not to challenge the social contract.
- Mkini

---