To:

STOP VICTIMIZATION AGAINST GILES JI UNGPAKORN

Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) is deeply concerned about Associate Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn, an anti-military junta academic who has been facing attempts of victimization by the Chulalongkorn University.

Professor Ungpakorn’s book “A Coup for the Rich”, a book which criticised the military coup and the destruction of democracy in Thailand, was refused to sell by university bookshop earlier this year, under the order of Chulalongkorn University authorities. No written explanation has been given until today on the decision of self-censorship by University authorities. No academic body has the right to censor such academic work, regardless the opinions expressed.

PSM also learns that a Kangaroo Court was set up by the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Dr Jarus Suwannamala to “investigate” Professor Ungpakorn. No reason was given for the meeting in advance and Professor Ungpakorn was not given the chance to prepare his defence until confronted with the charges, and no documents detailing the charges have been given to Professor Ungpakorn. This so-called investigation committee is totally flawed and against basic standards of justice and transparency. We believe such action is political motivated and linked to the unelected administration of military junta.

PSM is strongly protesting against such undemocratic action. We sure such action will tarnish the image of Chulalongkorn University as the most prestigious university in Thailand or even in the region.

Therefore, PSM calls upon the authorities of Chulalongkorn University to respect and protect academic freedom, and stop victimization against academic who dare to dissent like Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn.

Yours truthfully,

Choo Chon Kai

International Bureau

Socialist Party of Malaysia / Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)

Address:

No.22A, Lorong Vivekananda, 50470 Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

Tel: +60-3-22747791, (mobile) +60-19-5669518

Fax: +60-3-87374772