Helman Sanuddin's hopes of completing his tertiary studies after being acquitted of an illegal assembly charge have been shattered - his application has been rejected by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

Helman, 28, was informed of the rejection via a letter from the university which he received last week.

He was a third-year information technology student, with a year to complete the course at the time of his arrest and subsequent suspension by the university.

"According to the university's academic rules, your study term has automatically ended as a result of your suspension under Act 174," read the letter dated May 18.

"In view of that, your application to be reinstated, that has been delayed for almost four years, is not approved."

The letter was signed by UiTM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Dr Nasuddin Othman.

The academic rules stipulate that the duration of suspension is regarded as study term while Act 174, under the Educational Institutions (Discipline) Act 1976, provides for matters related to discipline in educational institutions.

Nasuddin could not be reached for comment today.

'Not surprised'

Helman said he was not surprised with the decision, adding that he would consult his lawyer on the next course of action.

Helman, together with six others, had been charged in 2001 for allegedly participating in a demonstration against theInternal Security Act (ISA) outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on June 8 that year.

The seven, dubbed the 'ISA 7', were then barred from attending classes by their respective universities - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and UiTM.

However, the students were acquitted in April this year.

Previously, they had appealed to the education ministry but then minister Musa Mohamed said they could only be reinstated if they apologise or until the court cleared them. They had refused to apologise.

Following the acquittal, six of them submitted written requests to be reinstated but only Helman has received a reply to date.