A coalition of nine student groups, comprising former and current students of local private and public universities, have expressed strong opposition over plans by the US to set up a counter-terrorism centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Programme coordinator of the Malaysian Youth Coalition Against War (Gempar), Mohd Sufian Mat Nan, said this during a anti-war street theatre presentation and poetry recital organised by the group at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur today. About 100 people attended the hour-long event which started at 3pm.

"We strongly oppose America's plan because it forms part of their anti-terrorism campaign launched worldwide.

"It is feared that the establishment of the centre will become a cornerstone of America's political hegemony in Malaysia," he said.