University suspends Aziz Bari
The law professor was also issued a show-cause letter with regard to his views on the sultan's decree on the DUMC-JAIS row.
PETALING
JAYA: Constitutional law professor Aziz Bari has been suspended until
further notice by International Islamic University (IIUM).The suspension comes in the wake of his comments in an Oct 12 Malaysiakini article entitled “Aziz Bari: Tidak salah kritik Raja-raja’ (Aziz Bari: Not wrong to criticise the Rulers).”
Among others, Aziz offered the view that the Sedition Act 1948 doesn’t criminalise an individual for comments made against a sultan.
The law professor gave his views in relation to the Selangor Sultan’s decree on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church’s (DUMC) row with the Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS).
Aside from suspension by the university, Aziz has also been issued a show-cause letter.
“I have been given until next Tuesday to respond to the show-cause letter,” said Aziz, who has been lecturing on law for the past 22 years.
Aziz is represented by two lawyers in this case – Hanipa Maidin and Zulqarnain Luqman.
According to Zulqarnain, the action against Aziz was taken in accordance with Rule 15(1) of the Staff Disciplinary Rules 2005 in IIUM.
Rule 15(1) states that university staff members cannot make any statement that is detrimental to the university.
“Aziz is now not allowed to enter the premises of the university, and do anything without a written permission from the faculty dean,” said Zulqarnain. “He, however, will receive his full salary.”
Commenting on the rule and charge against Aziz, Zulqarnain maintained it is okay for Aziz to make a comment on academic grounds.
“This is the third time Aziz has been issued a show-cause letter. Previously the university remained silent after Aziz responded to its show-cause letter,” added Zulqarnain.
Also read:
Ezam mahu Aziz Bari, MalaysiaKini disiasat
Titah monarki boleh dikritik
