Umno Overseas Clubs were initiated by students themselves to show their gratitude to the party and government for providing them with the opportunity to further their education, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Prime Minister's Department parliamentary secretary Noh Omar said this when refuting the claim that Umno was recruiting members through this club which has 44 branches worldwide.

"These are the initiatives by the students themselves, they appreciate the government's efforts to provide them with the chance to study abroad," he said during the debate on the supplementary supply bill 2003.

"When I go overseas, I see some of our Malaysian students joining opposition parties. They are not grateful to the government," he added.

Noh stressed that the club is a voluntary body and its members are attracted by Umno's struggle.

He said those involved are not necessarily Umno members. "It's just like the Liverpool Club, the members are not Liverpool players as well!"

Revoking scholarships

The parliamentary secretary also took a jibe at opposition party PAS, urging it to set up its own overseas club.

However, Noh quickly added that students found to be involved in opposition activities will have their scholarships revoked.

He also clarified a claim by Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi (PAS-Kuala Terengganu) that a number of scholarships have been revoked.

According to him, only two students had their scholarships cancelled while the rest were given a stern warning.

Earlier, Syed Azman criticised the government for practising 'double standards' by punishing students

for their involvement in opposition activities but at the same time canvassing for more Umno members in campuses.

"Umno has sponsored students to join the party, train them to be active in Umno since their university days.

"Who said students are not allowed to be involved in politics? Umno, MCA, MIC can go into campuses, but not other parties, what is democracy?" he asked.

'Cruel' Umno

The PAS politician also claimed to possess information that Noh addressed a function organised by the Umno Overseas Club last year and that he criticised the opposition in his speech.

"I also have information on Puteri Umno recruiting Malaysian students in Ireland, they distribute membership forms in campus and organise talks over there," he said.

At this juncture, a former Umno politician, who is now an opposition parliamentarian, joined in and accused Umno of being "cruel" to its own members.

Saupi Daud (Keadilan-Tanah Merah) said he received a termination letter from Umno for allowing jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim to stay at his house for a night.

Responding to this, Noh said: "It's good, when in Umno, you lost in the elections. After you were sacked and crossed over to Keadilan, you won and I can see you in the House today."