A jump in the number of public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) undergraduates joining Umno last year dispelled the perception that they are prone to supporting the opposition, said Umno Youth chief, Khairy Jamaluddin.  

The campus election last year also showed pro-government leaders controlling 18 out of 27 IPTAs in the country.

"We appreciate their support not only in the campuses but more importantly they are ready to assist BN in the upcoming 13th general election," he said.

He was speaking at the launching of BN IPT Club (Kibar) at the village hall of Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr Ismail 2, Sungai Abong in Muar today.

According to Khairy, the total number of university students joining Umno increased from 14,000 when the Universities and University Colleges Act was amended in the middle of last year to 27,000 in the fourth quarter.

- Bernama