Why are university student unions accusing ministers of bullying?

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University Student Unions Accuse Ministers of Bullying Over Internet Connectivity Complaints

A coalition of university student unions has accused federal deputy ministers of bullying students who raise concerns about inadequate internet connectivity. The unions specifically directed their criticism towards Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin and Deputy Minister of Finance I Abdul Rahim Bakri for their public remarks against Universiti Malaysia Sabah student Veveonah Mosibin. These unions, representing institutions including International Islamic University Malaysia, University of Malaya, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, have called for the government to cease disputing student allegations and instead focus on resolving the persistent issues of internet access.
Ministers' Remarks Sparked Accusations of Bullying

The core of the student unions' grievance stems from public statements made by Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin and Abdul Rahim Bakri concerning Veveonah Mosibin. Zahidi had suggested in the Senate that Veveonah was seeking attention and had fabricated her need to take an online examination in a tree due to poor connectivity. While Zahidi later apologized, he identified Abdul Rahim as his source. Abdul Rahim, in turn, maintained that his own investigation indicated no online examinations were conducted in June, citing a Universiti Malaysia Sabah faculty member as his source. He also questioned Veveonah's residency, despite her explanation that she was temporarily staying with family during the movement control order.
Student Unions Defend Veveonah and Demand Action on Connectivity

The student unions have publicly defended Veveonah Mosibin, emphasizing that the government should prioritize addressing the fundamental lack of basic facilities like reliable internet connectivity. They expressed concern over the government's narrative and its perceived lack of seriousness in resolving and upgrading internet access, particularly for students in rural areas. The unions highlighted that many universities are expected to continue online classes until early next year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, making effective internet access a critical necessity for approximately 1.3 million students nationwide.
Calls for Proactive Measures and Government Accountability

Beyond defending Veveonah, the student unions are demanding that the government take immediate, effective, and proactive steps to ensure all students have adequate internet connectivity. They argue that the Ministry of Higher Education must give this matter serious attention, given its broad impact on the student population. Similarly, the student wings of Pakatan Harapan parties, including PKR, DAP, and Parti Amanah Negara, have echoed these sentiments, urging Putrajaya to refrain from bullying Veveonah and accusing the Perikatan Nasional government of using these accusations to mask its failures in providing internet connectivity in rural areas.

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Why are university student unions accusing ministers of bullying?

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