PETALING JAYA: The government is disappointed that Universiti Malaya (UM) invited a foreign speaker whose statements sparked unnecessary controversy while disrespecting community sentiments, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The government spokesman and Communications Minister expressed severe dismay that UM, being possibly the most prestigious and historically important institute of higher learning in our nation’s history, became ground zero for such comments.

"This kind of incident should have never happened in the first place, especially not at such an important landmark as UM.

"UM has been an important alma mater of so many Malaysian leaders and chief judges.

"This is especially bad as the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has made his views very clear on the Palestinian issue," Fahmi told reporters after his ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya on Thursday (April 25).

UM hosted a talk by US academician Bruce Gilley on Tuesday (April 23) where he reportedly downplayed Malaysia's ties with the United States.

He also claimed that Malaysia had pushed for a "second holocaust against the Jewish people" which has since drawn massive criticism online.

Gilley has yet to apologise for his comments and instead triggered further controversy by claiming that Malaysia was not a safe place to travel to in a post on X after leaving.

Fahmi added that he and other relevant government agencies would take further action after UM submits the promised full report on the incident.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/25/govt-dismayed-um-became-039ground-zero039-for-gilley039s-insensitive-remarks-says-fahmi