Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol. 40 Number 4. March 21 1977
The Mask Comes Off
The Mask Comes Off
To most New Zealand students, the Overseas population at University remains a mystery. We asked a Malaysian student some questions about the nature of the Malaysian Student Movement in New Zealand.
Why do so many Malaysians, especially of Chinese origin go overseas for tertiary education?
Malaysia is a neo-colonial country. According to 1970 statistics (govt.), over 60% and 22% of the economy are in the hands of Foreign capitalists and the Chinese (local capitalist and middle class) respectively. A lot of private students come from this middle class group.
1. | The unstable economic situation at home makes many middle class feel insecure of their present economic positions. Thus, many place their future on their children. Hence, by whatever means possible they try to provide their children with higher education in the hope of retaining their class status. | ||||
2. | Consider the Educational system of Malaysia.
|
The past few years also see a big increase in the number of students from Sarawak. The use of Malay as a medium of instruction in Malaysian higher institutions makes it extremely difficult for them even if they are offered a place in these institutions.
a) | Sarawak has no university of its own. |
b) | Many Sarawak students have not studied Malay before. |
The 45% cutback on Malysian students was implemented this year. According to Foreign Minister Mr Talboys, the cutback was aimed at providing more opportunities to other overseas students, such as from Middle East etc. What is your comment on this?
On the surface such argument sounds justifiable. But as far as I know, the 200 or more vacancies as a result of the cutback on Malaysian students, has yet to be filled. The general feeling among Malaysians is that this issue has deep political implications.
How can NZ students help in the Malaysian student movement?
First they must understand the neocolonial nature of our country, and the problems faced by Malaysian students in this country. This can be done by reading more factual articles about Malaysia and having discussions with students in N.Z. On the other hand, Malaysians have the responsibilities to prove this information and talk about their problems. Unless a cause or movement is well discussed and understood it will have no supporter or sympathiser.
Progressive students should always support a righteous cause be it at home or abroad. In the international context, the victory of our fraternal brothers in any part of the world is also our victory. It is a step forward in history.
There are various fields that NZ and Malaysian students can co-operate. For example, we can unite to oppose the Five Power Defence Arrangement which is a common issue confronting us. This military pact is aimed at suppressing the awakening Malaysian people with the consent and support of the NZ government. The essence and ulterior motives of the Five Power Defence pact must be exposed.
Hishamuddin Rais, the 1974 president of University of Malaya Student Union, is wanted by Malaysian Special Branch for his former political activities in Malaysia (i.e. supporting the Tasek Utara squatters). There is a big campaign in support of his seeking political asylum in Australia. NZ and Malaysian students in NZ can also cable or write letters in support of this campaign.
These few years see a trend of overseas student movement and growing political consciousness. In U.K., Malaysian student organisation such as Fuemsso, helped to expel the Singapore Lee govt, from the Socialist International. There were also many campaigns to mobilise the students to fight for democratic rights and freedom in our country. In Australia progressive students took over the leadership of MUSA in 1974.
The growing dissent with the Malaysian government in NZ was illustrated in the Jack de Silva affair and the "hot" reception accorded to Razak by the students while he was in NZ. That threw the Razak government into a frenzy. The 45% cutback was raised when Mr Talboys visited Kuala Lumpur the following year.
Actions were also taken to limit Malaysian students going to the U.K. and Australia by imposing various regulations together with discriminating high fees on overseas students.
So the whole question is extremely clear as to the motive of the cutback. It is aimed at curtailing the development of student movement in NZ.
What is the present situation of the Malaysian student movement in NZ?
I think the Malaysian student movement here has a lot more to learn from the student movements in U.K. and Australia.
On regional scale, we have organisations such as Auckland MSSA which has done a substantial amount of work in welfare and promoting social awareness among Malaysian students. Publications such as MMR, and Suara provide a correct analysis of the social-economical and political situation at home. However, there is still a need for a national body to coordinate all Malaysian student bodies to fight common issues facing us.
The majority of Malaysian students here are dissatisfied with the home government. But for years they are silenced by suppressive laws like the Internal Security Act, University and University College Act, etc. Without a correct student body to lead them, students will still hold onto their "apathetic" attitude.