KOTA KINABALU: June 20, 2026 – A former president of Sabah’s honorary RELA members association has warned that political interference in Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s disciplinary proceedings could erode the university’s autonomy and institutional integrity.
Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said urged Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim to respect the ongoing process, after the minister indicated he was willing to visit UMS if disciplinary proceedings against two students – Fidaa’ Ahmad Fahmi and Abdul Qayyum – over their involvement in a protest against house demolitions in Kudat went ahead as scheduled on 9 July.
“Universities are not political stages. When a political leader signals an intention to monitor proceedings, it creates a perception that internal processes are neither independent nor professional,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“UMS has its own authority and mechanisms – give the university space to operate without external pressure.”
Jerry stressed that students’ right to speak out must be balanced with their responsibility to abide by university rules. “If they choose to join protests, they must also be prepared to face disciplinary processes if found to have breached regulations. That is the foundation of discipline and accountability.”
He added that defending the students before proceedings conclude would suggest a lack of confidence in the university’s processes and open the door to political meddling.
“Past experience as a student activist should not be used to influence university administration today,” he said. “Students need to be mature, not driven by emotion. Respect for institutions is also part of learning.”
He called on all parties to respect UMS’s autonomy and allow the university to carry out its duties according to its regulations, free from political interference.
