Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has revoked the decision by its disciplinary committee to expel a second-year electrical engineering student and allowed him to continue his studies with immediate effect.

Rafzan Ramli was expelled on June 22 after the committee had found him guilty of tarnishing the institution's image by participating in an anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) demonstration on June 8.

The 24-year-old was among six students detained by the police following the demonstration. They were held for the night at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and released on police bail the next day.

In a letter to Rafzan, UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Adnan Alias informed him about the revocation but added that another disciplinary committee may be formed to re-hear the matter.

"After considering the notes of proceedings of the first disciplinary committee, I have instructed that the case against you be reviewed," said Adnan in the letter dated July 6.

Following his expulsion, Rafzan had alleged that the proceedings were flawed as he was not allowed to exercise his legal right to defend himself.

He also claimed that the committee did not adduce any evidence to prove his guilt and had not allowed him to have legal representation and produce witnesses to defend his case

Rafzan had also appealed through the university to the Education minister and submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) seeking their intervention over the infringement of his rights to education.

Grateful

Rafzan today told malaysiakini that he was grateful for being allowed to continue his studies but refused to comment on the possibility of facing another hearing, saying that he would have to consult his lawyer first.

His lawyer Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusof when contacted said he will wait and see how the second hearing proceeds before deciding to do anything.

"We wanted to appeal against the first matter as proper procedures were not followed. We hope that if the second hearing takes places, it will be done in the appropriate manner as allowed by the rules and regulations of the university," he said.