The government appeared relentless in its policy to prohibit students from active participation in partisan politics despite the lively debate and interest shown by students in this area at the o­n-going annual graduates' congress in Penang.

Education Minister Musa Mohamad reiterated today that university students should never get involved in politics, let alone party politics, as this could distract them from their studies.

He said education should be free from political influence and the question of political participation "does not arise".