We must not underestimate the role that educational institutions play in shaping the developing minds of our nation. The years spent in college or university open – or should open – the eyes of students to some of the realities of the world at large.

Among such realities are political realities. Student political movements can change the trajectory of a country given the right mix of timing and relevance. And it is because youths more often than not lean towards the liberal and progressive strains of politics that conservative-leaning governments around the world tend to limit the exposure of students to the political realities of the time.

Let’s consider the case of the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany).

Last October, a group of students protested at a townhall meeting where 1MDB chief Arul Kanda spoke in defence of the government-owned company.

For that, former Umany president Ho Chi Yang, Umany deputy president Tan Jia You, Umany publicity bureau head Chua Hun Ti and Umany secretary-general Lau Li Yang face action from UM. They are accused of demonstrating behaviour detrimental to public order, decency, and discipline and also of provoking or taking part in the boycott of an official event.

While it may be argued that the manner in which the protest was held was disruptive, the rest of the charges ring hollow to the casual observer. The students had obviously decided that a protest was necessary to hold the government to account.

UM is not saving any part of its face in bringing these charges against the student body. The action only entrenches the thinking that UM policy is subservient to the whims of the ruling government and geared towards its preservation. It will be seen as an effort to silence student activists and to discourage the thinking that young people have a place in the political process.

If anything, we should be applauding four young Malaysians standing up for what they feel is right in a democracy. We should be encouraging the young to give ideas, especially given the intellectual bankruptcy of today’s governments.

The only message UM is sending is the same one always sent when someone speaks up – shut up and listen. For the sake of our nation’s future, that cannot be the learning imparted to our future leaders.