bangkit.net

THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (SASS)
MONASH UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA CAMPUS

cordially invites you to a

RESEARCH SEMINAR (Seminar Series No. 18/08)

Title: Student Politics in Malaysia: Then and Now

Speaker: Hishamuddin Rais: Activist, Filmmaker and Writer

Date: 07th October 2008 (Tuesday)

Time: 4.00p.m to 5.00p.m.

Venue: Communication Lab Room 9508, Level 5, Building 9, Monash University, Sunway Campus

Abstract:

Recently, the Malaysian government announced that it would be reviewing what many view as an overly restrictive University and University Colleges Act 1971, to allow for more space for students politics. It is a move that some might suggest has been long overdue, while others may react more guardedly, concerned that doing so would only add fuel to an already overheated political climate. Should Malaysian students be more politically engaged or should they steer clear of politics altogether, at least until they graduate? If students are to play a role in Malaysian politics, what role should it be? Hishammuddin comes to this topic from the unique vantage point of having been a former student leader who fled Malaysia in 1974 after the government clamped down on widespread student protests that erupted that year (known as the Baling demonstration).

Speaker’s Profile:

Hishamuddin Rais is a writer and filmmaker, who spent a large part of his early adult life in the United Kingdom living in ‘exile’ after the 1974 Baling student demonstration of which he was one of the principal organisers. He returned to Malaysia in the 1990s after having lived abroad for more than 20 years. His passion for activism remains unabated, despite having been detained under the Internal Security Act for 2 years in 2001. He continues to be involved in various causes that seek to advance democracy and assist the underprivileged in Malaysia.

This seminar is open to the public. For further information please contact Ms Vasantha Mathaven at vasantha@sass.monash.edu.my or at 03-5514 6000 (61553). For more information about past and future seminars, please visit our website: www.sass.monash.edu.my .