UTM grads appeal for later hearing
Seven of the 18 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) undergraduates summoned for an internal hearing for violating university regulations today appealed to the university for the proceedings, scheduled tomorrow, to be postponed.
One of the seven, technology management student Chan Ming Kai told malaysiakini that his appeal was for more time to prepare himself for the hearing.
We requested for another three weeks. We think that is reasonable because some of us are working. Those on practical training will also have to apply for leave. We also need the time to prepare our defence against the charges, he said.
Chan who finished his final-year examination in March is currently working in Kuala Lumpur while waiting to graduate.
Exam results withheld
However, his examination results are withheld by the university pending the hearing tomorrow.
Of the 18 summoned, 15 were those who protested against irregularities in their campus election in November last year while three others were caught for allegedly spying for the opposition during the Indera Kayangan by-election in January.
Those who protested against the campus election results alleged that ballot boxes were tampered and the nominations of several candidates were made under questionable circumstances.
Some of them even brought their case to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) and education minister Musa Mohamad.
Chan also questioned the messy manner with which the notices to appear for the hearing were issued.
Some of students were told to attend the hearing by phone. I also received the notice by phone but I managed to have it faxed over later, he said.
It is also possible that some are in the dark of the charges against them, Chan added. .
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