The Higher Education Ministry's Polytechnic Department has withdrawn a letter issued to 32 polytechnic institutions nationwide banning their students from campaigning during the coming general election.

A senior officer with the department told Malaysiakini that the mistake occurred because his department was not aware of amendments to Section 10(1) Subsection 2(c) of the Universities and University Colleges Act.

NONE The amendments allow students in tertiary educational institutions to be involved in off-campus political activities.

"Yes, the letter was issued and it quoted the old law.

"It is my fault. I was not alerted to the new changes.

"A new letter was issued this morning," said the officer, who requested that he is not named.

The original letter (right) was widely distributed on Facebook and has received criticisms because it runs foul of the amended law.

However, the new letter issued by the department also reminded universities not allow students to use the logos of their institutions in any off-campus campaigning.