The seven university students suspended for alleged involvement in an anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) demonstration two years ago want an urgent meeting with Education Minister Musa Mohamad.

In an open letter addressed to the minister, Rafzan Ramli, the spokesperson for the group better known as the ISA 7, said they wanted to get the updates from Musa personally.

Contacted today, Rafzan said he will send a letter to Musa tomorrow requesting for an appointment at the earliest time possible.

"We want him to explain his remarks on the apology which was reported in the newspapers, which is how we got to know about it," he said, adding that their statement has been sent to the print and electronic media.

Unprofessional

"How can he talk to the press without even discussing the matter with us first, especially since the issue is about us and our future?"

The ISA 7 also criticised Musa for handling the matter in an "unprofessional and emotional" manner.

"Would it not have been better if the minister had held an open discussion with us before making any media statement about our case and our right to education?" he asked.

"Even sadder is the fact that his request for an apology comes out as being too general and ambiguous, plus his motives are unclear."

On Thursday, Musa said the students can continue their studies provided they plead guilty and tender an apology.

The seven are Rafzan, Helman Sanudin, Khairul Amal Mahmud, Ahmad Kamal Abdul Hamid, Wan Sanusi Wan Mohd Noor, Nik Noorhafizi Nik Ismail and Zulkefle Idris.

They were charged with illegal assembly following a protest rally outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur against the ISA detention of several reformasi activists in June 2001.

The seven face trial in the Magistrate's Court tomorrow.

Responsibility

Rafzan said the government bears the responsibility to unconditionally reinstate the group as the right to education is guaranteed under Article 12 of the federal constitution and Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He said the group wanted to meet Musa for a personal explanation and not learn about such matters through the media.

"It is the ministry's raison d'etre to protect and guarantee our unconditional right to education," he said.

Referring to their appeals for reinstatement which were made right after the suspension order was issued in 2001, Rafzan said the ministry has not responded at all.

"(In submitting the appeal), we followed the procedures under the respective university's disciplinary rules and the Educational Institutions (Discipline) Act 1976," he said.

"After almost two years of suspending us, the minister has now set a condition asking for an apology before allowing us to continue with our studies."

He said the lack of urgency and leisurely attitude demonstrated by Musa and his ministry reflects the prevailing inefficiency and unprofessional conduct in handling the ISA 7 case.

National human rights society and opposition parties have thrown their support behind the seven students, calling for immediate and unconditional reinstatement.

Several students' movements will also organise a gathering outside the Magistrate's Court in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow as a show of support for the ISA 7.