Kota Kinabalu: A network of professional alumni from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has cautioned students against adopting confrontational activism that disregards local sensitivities, warning that intellectual idealism without wisdom and respect could strain ties between universities and grassroots communities.
Spokesperson for the Professional Leaders Network Organisation (Pride), Rodiahtul Ardawiyah (pic), said academic background should never be used to justify actions that ignore Sabah’s social structure, customs and community harmony.
She noted that Sabah has long-established and recognised traditional institutions such as village heads, Native Chiefs and the Native Court system, which play important roles in maintaining harmony and resolving disputes involving land, customs and community matters.
“University students should remain proactive in championing public issues and voicing community concerns, but such efforts must also take into account the sentiments of local residents, cultural values and the responsibility of safeguarding the reputation of UMS as a respected centre of knowledge,” she said.
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