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INDIA institution of higher education book ban sparks fears freedom of expression



Writers, filmmakers and social commentators have expressed fear for freedom of speech after the withdrawal of a book awarded a program of studies to pressure from hard-line Hindu activists, AFP reported on 20 October.

Robinson Misty’s novel The long journey was withdrawn arts undergraduate degree from the University of Mumbai by the rector after complaints and protests by the student wing of the Shiva Sean, a political party of the extreme right.

The protests included copies of the novel were burned by members of the youth wing of the party, led by Adyta Thackeray, grandson of Shiva Sean founder Bal Thackeray.

Shiva Sean pushes a regionalist agenda, often anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan and frequently backing up threats with violence, targeting comments and behavior allegedly "unpatriotic" and allegedly defamatory.


Misty denounced threats and intimidation and accused the university and its vice-chancellor of yielding to political pressure and the institutionalization of self-censorship.

Bloggers and those involved in the art scene in Mumbai expressed concerns about a growing "fascist ethos."

In an article in The Times of India on 22 October, it was reported that faculty members were pressured by senior administration officials to publicly declare their support for the decision to withdraw the book from the curriculum .

Malaysia: Government pressured to drop ban student politics

Malaysia's ruling party faced an appeal at its annual conference on 14 October to allow students to participate in politics, and reverse a recent cabinet decision to maintain the ban, AFP reported on 20 October.

The 1971 law barring students from Malaysia participation in political parties and trade unions has been criticized as a violation of human rights and freedom of expression.

Hairy Jamaluddin, leader of the youth wing of the National Organization of Malay States and the son-in-law of former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmed Bandai, has argued in favor of changing the law that allows students to participate actively in politics.

Then went on to cite research showing that 75% of young voters plan to vote in the upcoming national elections in 2011. With a 62% non-aligned party warned UMNO may face strong opposition in the election.

He also criticized UMNO other policies, including affirmative action in favor of Malay Muslims, launched in 1969 after the race riots nationals.

Malay entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from politics, including discounts and governmental projects especially assigned to the property. Apparently resentful minority Indians and Chinese citizens in Malaysia, Hairy argued that the program had failed and should be replaced.

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