Dr. Cheah’s Pages

University Elections

Universities have traditionally been the hotbed of political activism. Therefore student elections are often a warring turf for political parties. The senior academics, many of whom have political affiliations or were elected to their office by political sources, often take sides silently.

This disputed ground is never to be taken lightly as it can potentially form the basis of the future political landscape. However, freedom of speech remains an abstract term with the disciplinary whip subtlely visible.

What disappoints me is that the candidates often imitate the infantile mentality of their adult counterparts in the political world. They resort to street processions rather than intellectual discussions. Many of them lack substance and originality and cements the idea of puppetry at work.

The university should be an exclusive zone where ideas should be allowed to flourish rather than be shackled by the academics, whom are themselves leashed by higher authorities. Students must learn to tackle sensitive issues with maturity and decorum rather than the hullabaloo we see whenever a sensitive issue crops up.

The ability to tackle difficult issues with dignity is a hallmark of a developed nation. Much of it remains a dream as of now.