Following warnings by Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin and other authorities not to participate in illegal assemblies, Unversiti Malaya (UM) has threatened to suspend or expel students who join the Anwar 901 rally on  Monday.

“Participating in illegal assemblies is an offence according to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) and one can be suspended or expelled.

“Hence, students are reminded not to be involved or participate in the said assembly (901 rally) directly or indirectly.

“Should any student be found involved or had participated in the said illegal assembly, they will face disciplinary action by the university authority,” said Professor Rohana Yusof, UM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs department) in an online circular published on the department’s Facebook page.

NONE A similar circular was also issued by UM vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon (left) on the Facebook page, stressing that no UM student or staff is allowed to participate in the rally because the police had announced that no permit will be  granted.

He cited a letter from the director of Higher Education Department, Higher Education Ministry, dated Jan 4.

“If any UM member is found to be involved in the said rally, stern action will be taken.

“Students are advised to focus their attention completely on the final examination of Semester 1, 2011/2012 which has started,” he said.

In fact, the police have not closed their door to the rally.

Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar yesterday said the police will allow supporters of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim hold a gathering elsewhere on Monday but not in front of the Jalan Duta court complex, so as to maintain public order.

NONE PKR deputy president Azmin Ali (left) is scheduled to meet Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohmad Salleh this morning to discuss a suitable venue for the rally.

The police, government officials and BN leaders have been discouraging the public from joining the opposition rally which is aimed at displaying solidarity with Anwar whose verdict on his sodomy trial will be handed down that day.

The stern warning by the higher education minister and UM, the oldest university in the country, is seen as a reversal of an earlier government announcement that the UUCA will be amended to give greater freedom to students, including allowing them to become members of political parties.

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