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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 21. September 3 1979
The Role of Protest
The Role of Protest
Dear Editor,
In the last issue of Salient, August 6, David K Lo expressed his opposition to the Discriminatory Fee campaign and charged that a lot of Malaysian students in Wellington have double standards vis-a-vis the Vietnamese refugees in Malaysia..
I find his ill-found arguments and inconsistent views only served to confuse the issues. Nevertheless, I will entertain his fantasy. A healthy debate might help settle the dust in the air.
1. Forms of Protest
| a. | Talking about diplomacy, Muldoon consulted none of the bodies concerned with overseas students (OSAC, University people, NZUSA or NOSAC) when he announced the $1500 fees. If Muldoon really believed in 'behind the scenes' negotiation, no such blatantly arrogant policies and reasons would be issued from his office. |
| b. | An Emergency NOSAC meeting was held the day after Muldoon announced the fees increase. Subsequently, 5 or 6 NOSAC meetings have been held. Through National, NOSAC provided the general guidelines and resources to co-ordinate action throughout the country, but the final decisions lay with each local campus. It was the concerned Malaysian students present in such meetings who democratically decided the ways and means to carry put the campaign. |
| c. | Simultaneously with publicity and protest marches, representatives were sent to see University councillors. High School principals, MPs and the Minister of Education. |
| d. | Even David had to admit surprise at the overwneiming support by Malaysian students for the marches. Perhaps it is high time, he searches his soul more conscientiously as to what he has done on this issue that concerns the welfare of fellow Malaysian students. In fact, where had David been throughout the campaign? No one saw him at the NOSAC meetings. Perhaps that explains his ignorance and ill-favoured attitude to the whole campaign? |
2. Right, Privilege or Obligation?
It is beyond the scope of this letter to go into the polemics of whether overseas studednts have a right to education in NZ; or is it a privilege granted to them; it is the NZ government s moral obligation to provide it as a form of foreign aid. David Lo is entitled to his own view and his peculiar concept of dignity. But, if he cares to hear the other side of the story, there is plenty of material put out by NOSAC.
3. $1500 Fee is a Discrimination
David Lo argued we are here on the good will of the NZ government and hence should accept discrimination and prosecution with dignity. To see the attack on overseas students in isolation is plain short sightedness. The issue must be viewed in the context of the NZ government's tragic Education cuts policy, and that the overseas students were made a convenient scapegoat. Hence, our protest against the discriminatory fees is totally justified and has enjoyed the full support of NZ students and staff, through the Professorial Board, University Council, VUWSA and NZUSA.
4. Where does the Fight Begin?
The fight for justice has no bounds, and definitely should not be limited to one's country. As long as injustice is done, there will be protest, which can take many forms. David Lo is well informed about how Malaysian ISA operates. Ironically, he also suggested direct open confrontation, a suicidal approach that will practically lead to nowhere. Will David Lo, who has not lifted a finger for the welfare of fellow students in NZ be leading the fight at home?
5. Concern for Vietnamese Refugees
MSSA had laid down its view, in black and white, on the issue of Vietnamese refugees in its magazine 'Outlook'. A brief survey on students' views was also printed. On top of that, a forum was jointly Organised by NOSAC and MSSA. on the 9th August in the Smoking Lounge. About 35 people turned up. We would have liked to see a lot more. Also, it was quite Surprising that David Lo who has expressed such immense sympathy and concern for the Vietnamese refugees didn't even show up to express his sentiments. It makes me wonder whether his charge that 'a lot of Malaysians here have double standards' is meant to include himself.
6. Marching for the Refugees
Perhaps as a heroic gesture to cover his pathetic arguments, he jestingly suggested a march to the Malaysian High Commission in support of the Vietnamese refugees. If he seriously thought of that, MSSA is prepared to hold a special meeting to consider the march. And if he can establish his case and can persuade the students to support his idea of a march, MSSA is quite willing to help organise it.
S. Ng for MSSAY