Photo: Facebook (Wong Yan Ke)
Every single graduate has had a convocation, but most of the time, it’s a momentary affair, with no particular outstanding moments.
The students of Universiti Malaya, however, had a convocation that people couldn’t (and still can’t) stop talking about.
On 14th October, civil engineering graduate and student activist Wong Yan Ke held up a placard on stage right after receiving his scroll. The one-man protest called for the resignation of the university’s vice-chancellor, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim.
Videos of his protest have gone viral, with netizens divided about the act. Some felt that it was the only way he could make an impact, with a number of netizens calling him a hero.
At the same time, there were those who said that this was not the right time and place to pull such an act as the ceremony did not revolve around him alone, and he had effectively ruined others’ special day.
A video clip of his protest has since gone viral with almost 73,000 views.
“As a world-renowned university, UM has always adhered to the right to free speech but it must be expressed at a proper venue and in a proper way. His actions were rude and unacceptable,” said UM.
Photo: Twitter (@fakhreyyy)
UM has since lodged a police report against Wong on the basis of him tarnishing the university’s image and for disrupting the convocation. Protests were made on UM grounds calling for the varsity to revoke Wong’s degree certificate, with many holding up banners and placards that said “jaga adab”.
What are your thoughts on the situation?
By: Celestine Foo
