Despite the assurance by University Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor that all questions would be entertained by China Premier Wen Jiabao, a student has complained that he was warned not to raise any "sensitive" questions or he could be arrested by the police.

NONE This incident happened during the question-and-answer session, after Wen's brief speech before more than 2,000 university staff, students and students from China at UM's Tunku Canselor Hall.

According to the UM student Chan Shao Kang, 20, who spoke to the media after the incident, he had tried a few times to ask questions by raising his hand and shouting "Premier Wen, please give me a chance".

An officer, who he believed is from the student affairs department, then approached him and asked what were the questions he had in mind, said the first year medical imaging student.

um protest in conjunction with wen jia bao visit to universiti malaya 270411 chan shao kang approached by officer "I said that I wanted to ask about the arrests that took place before the talk, but the officer said that question was sensitive and advised me not to raise it.

"He later asked me whether I have another question and I told him that I wanted to ask about the Tienanmen Square tragedy (which happened on June 4, 1989). He warned me again not to ask such questions, if not I would be taken away by the police."

Side-effects of globalization

The police had earlier arrested 13 Malaysian activists who had tried to gather in front of the hall to ask for the release of famous Chinese famous artist and activist Ai Weiwei, detained by the Chinese government earlier this month, believed to be due to his involvement in human rights activities.

NONE Chan ( right ) said a police officer appeared later and asked him to go outside the hall. But he refused.

"The police then stood next me and when I tried to ask a third question, they tried to persuade me to sit down."

He added that another officer wearing the name tag "Mahadi" then sat beside him until the event was over, leaving only when reporters started approaching him.

"I'm worried that the university might take action against me, but I am prepared to face it."

Moderated by UM vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon, Wen had earlier fielded questions from three UM students, which focused on the education and technology, and the reasons which prompted him to enter politics.

Although there quite a number of students eager to pose questions, time constraints did not permit Ghauth to allow them to do so.

Wen's first visit to University Malaya was tainted by allegations that the university authorities had censored students' questions to prevent any possible embarrassment to the Chinese government, although Ghauth denied any such attempts in a telephone interview with Malaysiakini .

Planted questions, allegations

NONE After the talk, student representative council treasurer Kelvin Tee ( right in photo ) maintained that university authorities had planted selected questions among the student audience to be raised before Wen.

"We were tipped off before the talk that these three students were among the pre-selected students."

He also said that they are student leaders close to the university administration.

"We condemn the pre-selection by the university and it has made Wen's visit meaningless."

NONE Before the talk, Wen was warmly welcomed by more than 2,000 UM staff, local students and students from China, despite 13 local activists being arrested by the police outside the hall before his arrival.

He was accompanied by Ghauth, Minister in Prime Minister Department Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin and was welcomed by a multiracial dance performance.

Wen urged UM students to "aim for great things", rather than "becoming high ranking officers".

"If a person can do good things for the people, he will be forever remembered, but if a person does not work for the people despite his high rank, he will still be abandoned by the people."

"This is my advice to the students and it is also my faith."