The Education Ministry today defended a political leader who recently alleged that 44 Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturers were inciting anti-government sentiments in campus, on the grounds that the leader was merely trying to safeguard government interests.

The ministry's parliamentary secretary Mahadzir Mohd Khir however denied that the allegation was proof of excessive political interference in universities.

"It is unfair to say that politicians have limited knowledge about universities and therefore they should not make any remarks," he said.

Mahadzir was speaking to reporters after officiating a function at the Education Technology Division in Kuala Lumpur.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister of Penang Dr Hilmi Yahya claimed the state government had identified 44 academic staff members in the university who are advocating hatred towards the government.

In response, USM's Assoc Prof Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda, said politicians were merely making academicians as scapegoats for their mistakes.

"Politicians should learn about the role of universities in society before making irresponsible statements," said Abdul Manan who is the president of the university's academic and administrative staff association.

Partisan politics

Mahadzir reasoned that Hilmi as a member of the government had the responsibility to take care of its interests.

"How can you differentiate between a politician and a member of the government? You should not forget that the deputy chief minister is also a member of the government," he stressed.

Mahadzir said the problem of interference in universities would not have arisen if lecturers adhered to professionalism and steered clear of partisan politics.

Lecturers and teachers must "implement the government's policy and support the national aspiration", he added.

"Some lecturers misuse their position to teach students to hate the government and we are taking this matter very seriously," he said.

Asked if the lecturers were siding with certain political parties, Mahadzir said the matter was being investigated.

He also did not rule out the possibility that the lecturers may face expulsion if they are found to be guilty of inciting hatred.

The Star daily today quoted USM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Md Salleh Yaapar as saying that an inquiry committee has been set up to look into the matter.

The committee comprising not less than five high-ranking administrators will be headed by USM vice-chancellor Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.

Selective persecution

Opposition leaders maintained the government was practising "selective persecution" as no actions were taken against lecturers and students who were supportive of the Barisan Nasional-led government.

Local academicians have also voiced out their concern about the curtailment of freedom of expression and exchange of ideas in universities due to the political climate in recent years.

National leaders such as Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad have repeatedly stressed that stern action will be taken against lecturers and students involved in anti-government activities.

In July, Umno Youth reportedly submitted a name list of anti-government students to Universiti Malaya to help curb their growing influence and activities in campus.

Early this month, Universiti Teknologi Mara or UiTM sacked one lecturer and transferred 47 other staff for similar reasons.

Personal details

Meanwhile, on the status of Malaysian students abroad, particularly in the United States and the Middle East, Mahadzir said no "negative reports" have been received thus far and the students are in good condition.

However, he noted that a number of students who did not register with the Malaysian embassy in their respective host countries were those who were not receiving government's scholarship.

He urged these students to provide the embassy with their personal details so that they could be contacted in times of emergency.

Mahadzir said that at present the government would not recall Malaysian students abroad in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the US last week.

Earlier, Mahadzir presented excellent service awards to 545 teachers and education ministry officials.