A students coalition - Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) - has launched an election manifesto that lists several demands for the next government.

This includes the abolishment of draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) as well as to try all those held without trial in an open court.

The students also want the media to be free of political control.

Some 70-odd students from the coalition were present at the launching held at the national mosque in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

SMM, which comprises nine national student groups, began drafting its four-page manifesto two months ago.

In its manifesto, the coalition called for free education to be provided to all Malaysians and public university intake be based on the economic merit system.

The students also demanded that academic and campus autonomy be granted to them.

They said religious and moral education must be enhanced while mother tongue education be prioritised as an 'academic language' with Malay being the official language.

Limit terms

On the political front, the manifesto stressed that the new government should limit the term of prime minister, menteri besar and chief minister to a maximum two.

The coalition also urged the government to ensure that there would not be any intervention or abuse of power between the legislature, executive and judiciary.

Spokesperson Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi said the coalition hopes it could unite the students - via the manifesto - to fight for the betterment of the country.

"We (students) are those who are able to make changes and implement new agendas for society. The students are a third force to check and balance both the ruling and opposition parties," he added.

He said coalition members will take their manifestos back to their respective hometowns to explain the demands to the people.

Asked if the students' action had violated the UUCA, Mohamad Khairil replied that the law was against basic rights and freedoms.

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.

Some 20 police personnel from the Dang Wangi district police headquarters were present but no untoward incidents were reported.

In another development, the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH) urged voters to elect candidates who are concerned about social issues such as being against corruption, the closure of SJK Damansara, the teaching of Science and Maths in English and the setting up of an Islamic state.