ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (Policy)

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Education whether he will say what the Government's policy is towards academic freedom in the University and on the right of the academic staff to criticize any policy or action of the Government.

The Minister for Education (Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is the policy of the National University of Singapore to encourage its academic staff to engage in research and to publish their ideas, views, findings and discoveries in reputable journals. The University expects its academic staff to ensure that what they publish is carefully researched, accurate and of high academic standard. When staff members, especially expatriates, express opinions on areas likely to generate domestic political controversy, they do so on their own personal behalf and not that of the department or faculty they teach in.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Minister realize that my question was not directed as to who would be responsible for the criticisms, if any, made by the academic staff? My question is whether the Minister would clarify what is the Government's policy towards academic freedom in the University, which includes criticism of the Government on any policy or decision taken by the Government, by any academic member of the staff of the University? May I ask specifically whether the Government had anything to do with the University not renewing the engagement of the expatriate member of the staff who had criticized certain policies of this Government?

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Mr Speaker, Sir, in the first part of the question from the Member for Anson, he has repeated what is in the Order Paper. And I do not propose to waste Members' time by repeating my answer again.

Mr Jeyaretnam: You have not answered it. What is the Government's policy?

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: With respect to his second supplementary question, Mr Speaker, Sir, the Vice-Chancellor and the Council of the National University of Singapore have been charged with the day-to-day administration of the University, including the appointment, promotion, and extension of service of the University staff members. I do not consider it appropriate for the Minister for Education to direct the University to make any particular decision concerning an individual staff member.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I say that the Minister is evading the questions. May I ask him directly: was any communication made to the University about this particular member of the staff before the University decided not to renew his contract? May I also ask him for the third time if he will outline the Government's policy towards academic freedom in the University? Is the Government in favour of it even though they come out with strong criticisms of any Government policy?

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Sir, there are none who are so blind as those who will not see. And there are none who are so deaf as those who will not hear. I do not direct the Vice-Chancellor of the NUS to appoint, promote or dismiss any staff member.

Mr Jeyaretnam: In this particular case, was there?