Photo: Facebook (Wong Yan Ke)

Every single graduate has had a convocation, but most of the time, it’s a momentary affair, with no particular outstanding moments. 

The students of Universiti Malaya, however, had a convocation that people couldn’t (and still can’t) stop talking about.

On 14th October, civil engineering graduate and student activist Wong Yan Ke held up a placard on stage right after receiving his scroll. The one-man protest called for the resignation of the university’s vice-chancellor, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim. 

Videos of his protest have gone viral, with netizens divided about the act. Some felt that it was the only way he could make an impact, with a number of netizens calling him a hero.

The VC of our national university joined a Malay supremacist conference. One student held up a sign in protest. Most Msians seem more concerned abt respect than actual racism. We stand with Wong Yan Ke.https://t.co/Yz7dUfPNy6

— The Ungrateful FOB (@JoshuaChunWahK) October 15, 2019

At the same time, there were those who said that this was not the right time and place to pull such an act as the ceremony did not revolve around him alone, and he had effectively ruined others’ special day.

Nak ketengahkan what you fight for tu understandable. Tapi cara tu... gosh konvo is not just about you. Orang lain ramai berkonvo on that same day. Rosakkan hari orang lain, nama uni... nak point salah orang, you ruined something else.

— LeteranTerindahMama (@tweetmakmak) October 15, 2019

A video clip of his protest has since gone viral with almost 73,000 views.

“As a world-renowned university, UM has always adhered to the right to free speech but it must be expressed at a proper venue and in a proper way. His actions were rude and unacceptable,” said UM. 

Photo: Twitter (@fakhreyyy)

UM has since lodged a police report against Wong on the basis of him tarnishing the university’s image and for disrupting the convocation. Protests were made on UM grounds calling for the varsity to revoke Wong’s degree certificate, with many holding up banners and placards that said “jaga adab”.

Sokong VC! Tolak perkauman! Jaga adab! Jangan biadap! Tarik balik sijil ijazah Wong Yan Ke! pic.twitter.com/VjHH82Gtbj

— Sf (@fakhreyyy) October 15, 2019

What are your thoughts on the situation?

By: Celestine Foo