16.3 – Working with government

16.3.4 – Neutral platform to discuss issues

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) serves as a neutral platform and ‘safe’ space where various political stakeholders can engage in open dialogue and deliberation on pressing issues. This role is integral to UKM’s mission as an institution committed to fostering national unity, knowledge exchange, and addressing societal challenges. Here’s a deeper look into how it functions in this capacity:

1. Neutral Ground for Discussion

• Non-partisan Environment: Persada Canselori is designed to be an apolitical, inclusive venue where different political actors, from across the ideological spectrum, can engage without the pressures of partisanship. This neutrality fosters honest and candid discussions, as participants are assured that their perspectives will be heard without bias.
• Facilitating Constructive Dialogue: By ensuring impartiality, UKM can host discussions on sensitive or controversial topics, such as political reform, governance challenges, or social policies, in a way that promotes understanding and collaboration, rather than confrontation.

2. Safe Space for Frank Conversations

• Confidentiality and Respect: Persada Canselori offers an environment where political figures can openly discuss challenges facing the nation without fear of backlash, media scrutiny, or political repercussions. This encourages transparency and promotes the sharing of candid insights and critiques.
• Bridging Differences: The ‘safe space’ aspect is vital in fostering dialogue between opposing political factions, NGOs, and civil society. The platform is known for bringing together diverse perspectives, facilitating the bridging of differences, and encouraging joint solutions to national issues.

3. Focus on Policy Solutions

• Emphasis on Practical Outcomes: Discussions at Persada Canselori often center around finding practical solutions to complex policy challenges. Rather than merely debating ideological differences, the platform encourages stakeholders to move toward consensus-building and cooperative policy-making.
• Academic Backing: As part of UKM, the Persada Canselori benefits from the university’s intellectual and academic resources, which help ground political discussions in research, data, and evidence-based approaches.

4. Historical Role in National Dialogue

• Prominent Meetings: Over the years, UKM has hosted key discussions on important national issues at Persada Canselori, including those relating to social justice, national unity, and political reform. These meetings have involved not only politicians but also academics, civil society leaders, and students, ensuring a broad representation of voices.
• Crisis Mediation: In times of political tension or national crises, Persada Canselori has served as a venue where different parties can come together to de-escalate tensions and work towards peaceful resolutions.

Program 1:

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) serves as a neutral and inclusive platform that encourages open dialogue and constructive engagement among diverse political, governmental, and academic stakeholders. A key example is the “In Person With Doc Zam” programme, held on 29 September 2024, which brought together over 5,000 UKM students in an open forum with the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir.

Organized by UKM in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), the event was designed to strengthen the relationship between students and the government by providing a safe, respectful, and interactive space for candid discussions on higher education, student welfare and national policy directions. The session allowed students to voice their concerns, share perspectives, and engage directly with policymakers in a relaxed and non-partisan environment.

Broadcast live across public universities nationwide, the programme exemplified UKM’s role as a bridge between academia and government, promoting transparency, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Through such initiatives, UKM reinforces its commitment to academic freedom, inclusivity, and democratic participation, ensuring that the university remains a neutral and trusted platform for addressing national challenges collaboratively and constructively.

Program 2:

UKM continues to position itself as a neutral academic platform that fosters open and informed dialogue on critical national policy issues. On 12 November 2024, UKM hosted an engaging forum titled “Targeted Subsidy: Hope and Reality,” which convened prominent economists and policy experts to discuss Malaysia’s targeted subsidy framework, its objectives, and implementation challenges.

The panel featured Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali, Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA-UKM); Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad; and Dr. Zouhair Mohd Rosli, Director of Research at DM Analytics, with Tuan Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar serving as moderator. The forum facilitated open and evidence-based discussions on the socio-economic impacts and long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s subsidy reforms, providing a platform for academics, policymakers, industry experts, and students to exchange views constructively.

This initiative reflects UKM’s enduring commitment to maintaining a safe, non-partisan environment for public discourse, where differing perspectives can be shared respectfully. By bridging academia, government, and civil society, UKM continues to advance evidence-based policymaking and intellectual democracy, in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Program 3:

UKM continues to serve as a neutral and inclusive platform that fosters open dialogue, professional exchange, and mutual learning among academic, industry, and policy stakeholders. A key initiative reflecting this commitment is the “Bicara Ikon Kepimpinan” (Leadership Icon Talk), held on 12 November 2024 at the Senate Room, Chancellery Building, UKM.

The session featured YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim, Group Managing Director of the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), as the keynote speaker. Organized by the Registrar’s Department in collaboration with Professional-UKM, the event provided a safe and neutral space for participants including UKM staff and students, to engage in meaningful discussions on leadership, professional ethics, and governance.

By creating a non-partisan environment that encourages open dialogue and critical reflection, the programme allowed participants to explore leadership values and challenges faced across public and private sectors. This initiative underscores UKM’s role as a trusted, neutral convener that connects academia, government, and industry, fostering respectful discourse and advancing leadership excellence in alignment with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Link: www.ukm.my/profesional-ukm/news/bicara-ikon-kepimpinan

Program 4:

UKM continues to uphold its role as a neutral and inclusive platform for open dialogue between government leaders, researchers, and students on pressing national and global sustainability challenges. On 7 October 2024, UKM, through the Environmental and Green Energy Society of Malaysia UKM (EniGMA-UKM), organized “The Sustainability Exploration Program: From Youth to the World”, in collaboration with the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation (YPASM), the Institute of Climate Change (IPI-UKM), and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).

The event, officiated by YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of NRES, brought together government officials, university leaders, environmental experts, and youth participants in an open and constructive environment to discuss climate action, sustainability, and environmental leadership. This engagement served as a safe and non-partisan platform for diverse stakeholders to share perspectives, exchange knowledge, and align efforts toward Malaysia’s climate and sustainability goals.

By fostering mutual understanding and evidence-based discussion between policymakers, academia, and youth, UKM reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted and neutral convener in advancing the national sustainability agenda, in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).