The Centre of Independent Journalism (CIJ) today urged two public universities to drop charges against two university students who participated in recently held general election on March 8.

CIJ executive director V Gayathry said the journalism watchdog was concerned over the punitive action against undergraduates Azlan Zainal and Meor Isfandy Meor Azizan over their statements issued on behalf of the Parti Mahasiswa Negara (PMN) during the general election.

Gayathry said in a statement that the action against the students amounted to a denial of their rights to freedom of association and expression of political views.

“University students should not be discriminated from political involvement using the law, which has been criticised for targeting those who publicly voice dissenting views.

“They have the rights to participate in the election process as the minimum age requirement is 21 under Malaysian laws.” she said.

Azlan, from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Islam Antarabangsa’s Meor Isfandy are members of the yet-to-be-registered PMN , a graduates-based political party, which was established early this year.

meorisfandi 040408 uiam student On Jan 7, Meor issued a statement announcing the establishment of the party and its intention to field its candidates in the election, which it eventually did not do.

Consequently, UIA withheld Meor’s full examinations transcript, placed him under suspension and instituted a disciplinary proceeding against him on the basis students are not allowed to issue media statement without the UIA vice-chancellor’s permission.

According to the university’s legal department, the student was still under the purview of its regulations as he was still considered a student until he graduated.

Meor’s proceeding was fixed to be heard on April 7. However it was postponed by the university without providing any reason.

Organising a student assembly

parti mahasiswa negara um meet 120208 azlan zainal As for Azlan, he is facing a disciplinary proceeding instituted by the UM for organising a student assembly in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan under the platform of PMN on March 2. Azlan, a final year student at UM, is the pro-tem president of PMN.

The UM student affairs’ department had also lodged a police report against Azlan over that assembly. He was subsequently questioned by the police for illegal assembly.

“We call upon the universities and the police to drop the actions against the students and respect their rights to expression and association.” said Gayathry in her statement.

University students in Malaysia are governed by the powerful Universities and University Colleges Act which prohibits student activism and political activities among students. The various universities’ regulations add to the restrictions.