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.

"In this regard, Malaysia and Asean should maintain their independence and neutrality to preserve peace within the region," Mohd Sufian added.

Early this month, the Defence Ministry said the centre was still in the planning stage but matters pertaining to funding and staffing had already been decided.

Showing disgust

Earlier today, about 30 students showed their disgust through art by holding a poetry recital, a pantomime and read their pledge condemning the aggression against Iraq at the Central Market pedestrian walk.

They also read out a statement demanding that US President George W Bush and "other war bandits" be prosecuted by the War Crimes Tribunal over atrocities committed in Iraq.

Mohd Sufian said they also distributed 300 leaflets to the public calling for a public boycott of top American brands Coca-Cola, KFC and McDonald's as well as Britain's leading retail chain Marks & Spencer and oil giant BP.

McDonald serves 46 million people daily through more than 30,000 restaurants in 118 countries while Coca-cola has more than 300 beverages under its name in over 200 countries.KFC has more than 11,000 restaurants in over 80 countries.

Marks & Spencer is a leading retail chain of clothing, foods, financial services and homeware with about 10 million weekly clientele throughout Britain and outlets in 30 countries. BP has revenues of almost US$180 billion with 115,000 employees and more than a million shareholders.

Asked if he foresees any positive outcome from this campaign, Mohd Sufian said he was confident that their expression of art and similar initiatives in the future would produce at least "some awareness even if nothing else happens".