Expressing concern, Prof Dr Hassan said: “We want them to concentrate on their studies. Students can be involved in politics but through the academic approach.”
“They can participate through healthy debates and discussions, not by protesting, conducting talks to the masses or holding any activities that disrupt national unity,” he said when asked for comments on recent calls for more freedom for university students to get involved in politics.
Despite amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) last February, making it more liberal for freedom of expression, students are still not allowed to join political parties or trade unions.
Since its enactment, the UUCA has seen university students suspended or dismissed from university for active participation in politics. They are also liable for heavy fines or jail sentence, if convicted.
According to The Star news report on Sept 13, university students were unlikely to be allowed to take part in politics.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Noordin was quoted as saying that allowing students to be influenced by politics would have a negative effect on their studies.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had recently said that the Government did not prohibit students from voicing their opinions on political issues and that students even had speakers corner to articulate their views.
His response came in the wake of calls for change to the UUCA by several politicians, including Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin and MCA Youth Chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) chairperson Syazni Munir said students’ right in political involvement was not questioned in some countries.
“Students are equal in the community, so they should be given an avenue to express their intellectual thoughts,” he said.
Kelab Rakan Siswa Islah Malaysia (KARISMA) president Abdullah Omar said university students should focus on their studies but not be barred entirely from political exposure.
“The UUCA states that students should not be inclined to any party, but they still need political exposure to understand current issues,” he said.
Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (GAMIS) president Mohd Idris advocated the rights for students to actively participate in politics.
“Individuals above 21 are allowed to participate in politics, but why not university students who are of the same age category?” he said. Idris said the demonstration in March by some 1,000 students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in Labuan over inconsistent water supply had caused the Government to worry.
Penang Gerakan’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau secretary Rowena Yam was quoted in The Sun as saying that allowing university students to dabble in politics “will give an early exposure of proper governance required and also not create a brain drain in the Government in future.”
Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen (KAMI) chairperson Hilman Idham said that university students had great potentials in changing the face of politics because of their passionate activism.
“They are idealistic, fresh and creative. They want to make a difference to the nation,” he said.
By: Brian Raj (23.09.10)
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