A students' group is attempting to shore-up support from political parties and civil society groups to pressure Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) into dropping the charges against five students.

The students were hauled-up to face disciplinary proceedings for their involvement in a campaign to boycott last September's campus polls.

The students' group - calling itself the USM Student Progressive Front (SPF) - had sent a statement to political parties as well as civil society groups in a bid to seek their support.

According to them, the statement will be released to the media tomorrow.

The five were charged for distributing leaflets and releasing statements to the media during the election calling on students to boycott the polls which was marred by allegations of irregularities and intimidations.

The students have been summoned to attend a disciplinary hearing on Monday.

Under the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971, students are not allowed to talk to the media or distribute any items without the written permission of the university's vice-chancellor.

System, laws must change

SPF together with other students' groups had also filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on Tuesday.

According to its spokesperson Lee Huat Seng, Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam had promised to attend the hearing as an observer if allowed by the campus authority.

In the past, similar applications were rejected by Universiti Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia.

According to Lee, the commissioner also said that Suhakam was discussing the issue with the higher education ministry after receiving complaints from students.

Asked if the new Higher Education Minister Mustapha Mohamad and his deputy Ong Tee Kiat would bring about any changes, Lee said the system and laws must be changed first.

Contacted later, Ong declined to comment on the issue, saying that he is still not familiar with the new portfolio.

Any organisation that wants to endorse the statement can contact Chon Kai at 019-5669518 or 04-6582285.