Malaysian universities have threatened disciplinary action against its students if they are found to have participated in the Bersih 4 rally.

They said this is because the rally slated to take place this weekend is 'illegal'.

“Students should stay away from being used by certain parties or organisations not recognised by the government and should instead, concentrate on their studies,” public universities vice-chancellor/rector committee chairperson Kamarudin Hussin was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

He warned that actions that can be taken against students include suspension or expulsion from the university.

In a separate report, Bernama also reported today that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) is making similar threats.

“If any UiTM student is proven to be involved in the illegal rally, action can be taken against them, including suspension, depending on the severity of the offence.

“These people would only taint the university’s reputation as they become too obsessed with information they received without verification, and making their own assumptions based on their shallow knowledge,” UiTM vice chancellor Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar was quoted as saying.

'Concerned about students' safety'

Meanwhile on Facebook , University of Malaya’s student affairs department reminded students that the Bersih rally is not given a permit by the authorties.

“The university is concerned about the safety and the future of students, and is worried that problems may arise.

“Therefore, students are reminded not to get involved or participate in the rally, whether directly or indirectly,” it said today.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajuddin Md Isa had said that the rally to be held in the city centre is illegal and prohibited, because the organisers had failed to obtain permission from the venue owner Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which is a requirement under Section 9 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah had countered this saying that it has scrapped its plan to hold the rally at Dataran Merdeka and would instead gather around the field, thus it no longer requires DBKL’s permission.

Apart from the rally in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 29 and 30 , Bersih rallies will also be held in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and several major cities around the world.