The higher education ministry will not compensate seven students, dubbed the 'ISA 7', who had been suspended by their universities pending the disposal of their trial for alleged illegal assembly. They were acquitted early this year.

Replying to Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) in the Dewan Rakyat today, the ministry's parliamentary secretary Dr Adham Baba said the suspension had been implemented in accordance with law.

He said the action is covered by a provision of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), as well as by the respective university rules.

"The suspension was lawful and did not require a wait for the court's decision. Thus, the question of compensation does not arise,"Adham said during the question session.

Asking a supplementary question, Fong told the government not to be "arrogant" as it has contravened the fundamental legal principle of innocent until proven guilty.

She also asked whether the government intends to amend provisions of the UUCA that are "against the principle of justice and fairness" as contained in the Islam Hadhari concept promoted by the government.

The parliamentary secretary did not directly respond to her question but instead commented on the case of one student, Helman Sanuddin, who has been denied reinstatement by the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in spite of his acquittal.

"Since an appeal has been filed with the high court, the suspension (against Helman) will continue until the appeal process is exhausted," Adham told the House.

Calls for redress

Adham's statement, however, contradicted what he had said during the last parliamentary sitting when he had been peppered with questions on the case.

According to the Hansard dated April 25, he had assured the House that the group would be allowed to resume their studies if they were acquitted of the charge.

The seven students were charged in 2001 for allegedly participating in a demonstration against the Internal Security Act (ISA) outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on June 8 that year.

Following their arrest, they were barred from attending classes by their respective universities - UiTM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Previously, they had appealed to the education ministry, but then minister Musa Mohamed said they would only be reinstated if they apologise or until the court clears them. The seven had refused to apologise.

Following their acquittal without their defence being called, they submitted written requests to be reinstated, but only Helman and UTM's Zulkefle Idris have received replies so far. The latter has been reinstated by UTM.

Several quarters had also called for redress such as compensation and scholarships for them.