Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh has claimed that he has no knowledge of matters related to the upcoming campus elections which has been tainted with allegations of scare tactics and biased rules.

At a press conference in Kuala Lumpur late yesterday afternoon, the minister who oversees all 17 public universities was unable to answer questions linked to the campus elections which are expected to be held early October.

Below are excerpts from the press conference:

Malaysiakini: When are the campus elections?

Shafie: Campus elections? I don't know, you better ask the vice-chancellors.

You are the minister who is supposed to announce the date because it is your prerogative.

No, I'm not announcing it.

But the student representative councils' one-year term is over and it's time for elections.

(The) officials (will) announce it.

There are many reports of (anti-establishment) students being threatened and harassed on campuses.

I don't know, the reports didn't come to me.

There are also allegations of interference by Umno in the campus elections.

I don't know.

Prior to the press conference, the minister's aide told reporters not to ask any questions related to the campus polls.

Series of cases

Campus elections are divided by partisan politics where 'pro-establishment' teams are believed to be sponsored by university authorities with the government's backing.

The rival faction is usually seen as leaning towards the opposition.

Campus polls are also keenly observed by politicians particularly Umno and PAS as it allows them to gauge the support of students for their various political parties.

Earlier this week, malaysiakini reported a series of secret meetings in early July which brought together top university officials, Umno representatives and 'pro-establishment' student leaders. It was coordinated by Shafie's ministry.

The meetings were held to strategise for the government-backed teams' success ahead of the annual campus elections.

It is learnt that Umno Youth and Puteri Umno representatives were present during the meetings held at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

'Anti-establishment' university students have complained of their rooms being raided at midnight without valid reasons.

Posing a threat

Recently, a Universiti Sains Malaysia female student was held to facilitate investigations for allegedly "posing a threat to the hostel harmony".

Yesterday, a Universiti Malaya student filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia alleging assault, threat and verbal abuse by an assistant registrar of the university's student affairs division.

Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia students, meanwhile, cried foul over a new ruling this year requiring students to pass a 'public speaking test' and an interview before they can contest in the campus election.

UIAM is a known traditional stronghold of 'anti-establishment' students.

A students' coalition has called for the immediate dissolution of all student representatives councils to pave way for the campus elections given the expiry of the one-year term on Sept 15.