The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) authorities have finally allowed the Chinese Language Society to officially resume its activities in campus recently following what appeared to be a 'compromise' between the two sides last month.

When contacted, a source today said that the society conducted its overdue annual general meeting on Nov 6 after it got the nod from the all-powerful student affairs department.

The society was suspended from organising activities on campus since last September after it received a show-cause letter from the university seeking an explanation on a number of alleged offences committed by the society.

The student affairs department of the university was believed to have engaged the society in a series of negotiations over the matter which ended in a deadlock early this year.

Sole condition

The recent breakthrough only came about after four representatives of the society agreed to the sole condition of abiding by the restrictive Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), in writing, on Oct 31.

This was down from the 10 conditions set by the university in July, which included prohibition from any media contact with regard to the society's grievances or activities, and from seeking the support of political parties or non-governmental organisations.

The society's representatives were also made to sign on behalf of their fellow members, the controversial pledge of good conduct or Akujanji introduced to students early this year.

Representing university authorities in the compromise were deputy vice chancellor (student affairs) Assoc Prof Dr Jamaludin Mohaiadin and one assistant registrar from the student affairs department.

The standoff between the society and university authorities started two years ago after some of its members got into trouble for allegedly going against a directive by joining an inter-varsity Chinese language debate in Singapore.

The society got into more trouble with the university after some of its members were caught taking part in the protests against the Vision school project and distributing anti-Internal Security Act leaflets in the campus.

The USM Chinese language society has a colourful history spanning more than 30 years. The society has helped to mould several prominent politicians in both ruling and opposition parties.

When it refused to accede to the initial 10 conditions for its revival in July, it sought other avenues out of its dilemma, with the support of its alumni. Its out-campus support group, a coalition of USM graduates based in Penang, launched a massive signature campaign to get public support.

They even distributed postcards urging Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to intervene in the matter.

According to the source, the society is now busy conducting a membership drive and organising various activities, including the 'Socio-Cultural Nite' which is its biggest annual event.