The two Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students being investigated over a recent demonstration should not be suspended as yet from their positions as elected student representatives.

In a statement today, National Student Affairs secretary Ginie Lim of the Malaysia Students and Youth Democratic Movement (Dema) described the suspension as undemocratic.

She urged the university to allow the duo to continue in their roles pending the outcome of investigations.

"The university's Student Affairs and Development Division should not suspend them unless guilt is proved," she said.

Gag order

Yesterday, the two were called up by the disciplinary committee for allegedly holding a demonstration two weeks ago against delays in receiving loans from the National Higher Education Fund.

The duo, whose names have been withheld, were also warned not to talk to the media regarding their case.

Previously, the university had suspended and fined final-year student representative, Soh Sook Hwa , for being involved in last year's general election.

Another student, Ali Bukhari Amir , also faced the music over an article he wrote which appeared in PAS political organ Harakah .

Lim said the university's action reflects further abuse of rights that undergraduates currently face, and that this defeats the government's aim to establish a higher education system that is on par with international standards.

Undergraduates face many restrictions under the Universities and University Colleges Act, which certain quarters argue should be repealed.