The Ministry of Higher Education will investigate allegation that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) students were involved in the recently concluded Umno branch meetings in the Tanah Merah Umno division in Kelantan.

"I will investigate if this allegation is true. I will contact the vice-chancellor of UiTM to verify the allegations," its minister Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh said today.

Shafie said this at a press conference after officiating a new pre-clinical dentistry building in the University of Malaya.

On Wednesday, malaysiakini had reported allegations of the students attending and voting at various branch meetings within the Umno Tanah Merah division.

Under the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), varsity students are prohibited to participate in political activities.

Umno Tanah Merah divisional chief Hashim Safin later confirmed that he had lodged a report on the matter to the Umno disciplinary committee as well as to Deputy Premier and Umno Management Committee chairperson Najib Razak.

Reports lodged

Similar reports were lodged by Hashim - who is also Gual Ipoh state assemblyperson - with the state Umno monitoring committee .

It is learnt that in the report, Hashim had alleged that more than 30 cars were used to ferry the students and 'thugs' to various branch meetings.

Hashim had also claimed that he had obtained sworn oaths from these students, which were also documented in the reports.

According to Hashim, UiTM authorities had initially allowed the students to observe the meetings to gain exposure, but overturned their decision after learning about the student's level of involvement.

The Umno Tanah Merah division has 106 branches, all of which have completed their elections. Thirty three branches nominated Hashim to defend his seat, while his challenger Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz ( photo ), who is also Umno Youth Exco member received 73 nominations.