The Universiti Malaya Students' Association (PMUM) is determined to host opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's talk despite threats from the university.

When contacted today, PMUM president Fahmi Zainol said: “We will continue (with the event)”.

According to Berita Harian today, the university, Anwar's alma mater, issued a show-cause letter to Fahmi yesterday over the matter.

Fahmi ( left ) was given until noon today to submit his reply to the deputy vice-chancellor’s office.

However, he said, he was not able to make it since it is the university’s semester break.

Berita Harian reported student affairs deputy vice-chancellor Rohana Yusof as saying that Fahmi could be suspended for one or two semesters as well as fined RM200 if he goes ahead with his plan.

'Programme will affect UM's image'

“UM will never allow such a programme as it goes against the university’s rules and regulations. Other than affecting the university’s image, the university will also be viewed negatively.”

However, PMUM maintains that the public speaking event on Oct 27, a day before Anwar faces a Federal Court decision on his appeal against a sodomy charge, will proceed as planned.

The Oct 27 event titled ‘Anwar Ibrahim: 40 years from UM to jail’ is scheduled to take place at 9pm at the Dewan Tunku Canselor Square.

UM student council deputy president Lee Jin Yang earlier told Malaysiakini that they do not need to apply for permission from the university as the Dewan Tunku Canselor Square is a public place.

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