The disciplinary board of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today found 22-year-old final year journalism student Soh Sook Hwa guilty of breaching university regulations over her involvement in the March general election campaigns.

The five-member panel presided by deputy vice-chancellor overseeing student affairs Assoc Prof Dr Jamaluddin Mohaiadin ( photo ) issued a stern warning and a fine of not more than RM200 against Soh. The actual amount of the fine will be decided later.

The decision was made during a 90-minute-long disciplinary proceeding held at the Penang-based university this afternoon.

Soh was found guilty of breaching section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA). However, the punishment was provided for under the university's rules and regulations.

Soh, who is also USM Chinese Language Society president and former student representative, was said to have campaigned for Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua in the Batu parliamentary seat during the general election.

President post

Although she escaped receiving the maximum punishment of expulsion, she however is expected to be barred from holding her Chinese language society post.

Under the university's regulations, a student is not allowed to hold any position in any university body after being found guilty of a disciplinary offence.

"There was no specific mention on my status in the society during the proceedings, but unless there is a permission given by the vice-chancellor, I would not be allowed to continue," she said when contacted.

Soh has been suspended since June from her president post pending investigation.

On the next course of action, Soh said she was considering appealing to the Higher Education Ministry because she "could not accept" the disciplinary board's decision.

"I am considering all options available, to appeal against the sentence or over the denial of my counsel's presence during the proceedings," she added.

Picket held

Earlier, some 20 representatives from the civil society and USM alumni held a picket outside the university after they were not allowed to enter the campus.

The protestors, who donned masks, held placards and posters criticising the restriction of freedom of expression and association. A police patrol car was seen in campus but no untoward incidents were reported.

Soh was among three USM students investigated for their involvement in the election. The other two have since graduated in August.

Soh went through a hearing last week but the university reserved its decision. A gag order was also imposed barring her from talking to the media.

Many quarters have lent their support to her, including the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, which called for a revision of the UUCA.

However, Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh yesterday said he believes that Soh is guilty but added that his remark was not meant to influence the board's decision.