An American political scientist from the Portland State University is currently experiencing the wrath of Malaysians.
After being invited by Universiti Malaya (UM) through their Visiting Professor Programme to give lectures on various aspects of international relations, he decided to condemn Malaysia for not supporting Israel during one of his talks.
Now, after leaving our country, the political scientist, Dr. Bruce Gilley, has taken to Twitter to further condemn Malaysia and tell his followers that Malaysia is an unsafe country to visit.
He wrote, “I have safely departed from Malaysia, one step ahead of the Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government there. This is not a safe country to travel to now. Updates to follow.”
But wait, there’s more
In another post, he shared a screenshot of a post he had deleted to maintain “the safety and well-being of my colleagues at the University of Malaya whose leadership has responded to a student outcry. The quote from my keynote address reflects my views alone. I regret the harm I have caused to my academic colleagues”.
And what was his quote?
“A country whose political leaders advocate a second Holocaust against the Jewish people will never be a serious player in world affairs, and will certainly never be a friend or partner of the United States,” he said in regards to Malaysia during his keynote address on Malaysian foreign policy at UM.
UM pulls their sponsorship
He also started a crowdfunding account on gofundme to generate donations from the public to cover his trip to Malaysia after UM allegedly cancelled his visiting professorship following his talk. This means that his flight and hotel costs were no longer handled by the UM.
“I won’t accept reimbursement of travel and lodging costs from the University of Malaya as a result of its disgraceful behavior and that of the Malaysian government. The $2,346 (RM11,213.88) here covers my one-way flight to Malaysia and my hotel. Thanks for support,” he said in yet another post.
His gofundme account states, “On April 23 (Tuesday), Dr. Bruce Gilley, a political scientist at Portland State University, was forced to leave Malaysia after criticizing Malaysia’s official anti-Semitism in a keynote address at the University of Malaya.”
“The disgraceful behavior of the university in cancelling his visiting professorship means the flight and hotel costs incurred will not be covered. This is an open and proud request for public support to defray these costs, totaling $2,346.”
UM has since released a statement in regards to this incident.
They apologised and shares their regret over the political scientist’s statement, adding that they’re taking action to handle the situation.
“Universiti Malaya (UM) has taken note of the recommendation of YB Minister of Higher Education and has taken immediate action to cancel any program and activity scheduled to be attended by the foreign guest speaker.”
“A complete report on this issue is being prepared and strict action will be taken against those found to be involved in this issue. UM also takes this matter seriously and apologises to all parties,” they stated.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
