The government will not repeal the restrictive Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) because the provisions are still relevant, according to Deputy Education Minister Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin.

He claimed that human rights bodies that have called for the repeal of the law have "ulterior motives and purposes".

The UUCA prohibits students and lecturers from, among others, holding gatherings comprising more than five people; participating in activities outside campus; engaging in part-time work; joining associations or political parties, or making media statements without the vice-chancellor's written permission.

"The act is not aimed at suppressing student (activities), but to ensure safety in universities. If students think they can act freely, they are wrong because they are (in university to) study...this is government property," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

Abdul Aziz said that, although the law was enacted 30 years ago, it is still applicable today because the government drafted it "for long-term use".

"It is still relevant (based on studies) that have been done...If we listen to statements of the minority (critics), there will be chaos among our children," he claimed.

"We cannot afford (to let that) happen...we are (being) protective of the people for the future of our country."

However, he was quick to add that the government may amend the act as and when there is a need to, because "the law should not be static, but dynamic".

Local definition

Abdul Aziz said the UUCA does not violate the civil liberties or human rights of students because they "can still form associations or conduct activities with the approval of the vice-chancellor".

On calls from human rights bodies to repeal the act, he said 'human rights must be defined in accordance' with the country's needs.

"You don't follow human rights of other countries...it will endanger you. (For example,) we are not going to allow gay marriage here even if other countries allow it. This is human rights for them, not for us," he said.

"There are always people who would like to see a lawless society. What the government is trying to do is to build personality with discipline, but there are groups that don't want this to happen. They have ulterior motives and purposes."

Student groups

and human rights campaigners have repeatedly urged that the UUCA be repealed - or at very least, amended to remove clauses that now deny their rights to association and free expression.

ISA 7 can appeal

Abdul Aziz also commented on the case of the seven university students who have been suspended from four institutions for allegedly participating in a protest against the Internal Security Act (ISA) on June 8, 2001. They have since been charged.

He said the seven - dubbed the 'ISA 7' - should be punished by their university administration because they are alleged to have participated in an illegal assembly, deemed to be a criminal offence.

"While they are waiting for a judgment (in the case), they should be punished and that's why they are suspended," he said, although he expressed sympathy for the students.

Abdul Aziz dismissed the suggestion that the action of the universities was tantamount to pronouncing guilt before this is proven in court, saying the UUCA provides for such sanctions.

Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, Education Ministry parliamentary secretary Mahadzir Mohd Khir said the ISA 7 will be suspended until their court disposes of their case.

Mahadzir said section 15D (1) of the UUCA stipulates that, once a student is charged in court for any criminal offence, he or she should be immediately suspended and barred from entering any campus.

"The ministry has agreed that they should remain suspended until the court delivers judgment," he told Mat Basir Rahmat (PAS-Parit) during the question session.

"The (alleged action) of these students relates to public order, so everyone should consider it a serious matter."

To a supplementary question from Ramli Ibrahim (Keadilan-Kota Bharu), Mahadzir ( right ) said the students could appeal to their university or the ministry for reinstatement.

He said one student submitted an appeal, but that it was rejected, and that such decisions are the prerogative of the university administration.

"I have sympathy for them because I know that the hearing (of the case) has been postponed several times. However, they should appeal to the ministry...one rejection doesn't mean you cannot appeal again," he added.

The seven, who are charged under section 27 of the Police Act, have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they are liable to a maximum jail term of two years or fine not exceeding RM10,000 fine, or both.

Their case had been postponed on eight times since 2001 until the hearing began in July this year. The most recent hearing was held last week, and the trial will resume on Feb 16 next year.