A coalition of non-governmental organisations handed a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today urging it to intervene in the recent suspension of four Universiti Sains Malaysia students.

The coalition, known as the Anti-Internal Security Act Movement (AIM) called on Suhakam to negotiate with the university and education ministry to revoke the suspension to allow the students to sit for their examinations on Feb 18.

AIMs chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin submitted the three-page memorandum to Suhakam secretary Kamaruddin Baria at the commissions headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaid said AIM was disappointed with the disciplinary actions meted out against the students, especially Choo Chon Kai for possessing and selling anti-ISA badges.

Last week, Choo, and three other students If they are able to sit for their examinations, they will be able to graduate, said Yap who was also present at the commissions headquarters today.

Accompanying Yap, was another Suaram representative S Arutchelvan who said that there should be a stay of execution until all appeal avenues are exhausted before the students are punished.

The students have 30 days to appeal to Education Minister Musa Mohamed.

According to Arutchelvan, it is meaningless even if the appeal is accepted 30 days later because the students would still miss their exams.

Its only fair that they are allowed to sit for their exams, he said.