A Barisan Nasional member of Parliament today said that Umno politics should be allowed into university campuses, as the nation should be grateful to the party that had fought for the country's independence.

Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) said that lessons on Umno history should be intensified in schools and campuses to remind people of the party's struggles prior to Merdeka.

He added that it was appropriate for Umno Youth or Puteri Umno to propagate their ideologies to students, as "there are some of us who have forgotten we are Malays".

"There is nothing wrong in Umno or Puteri Umno going into schools or campuses we are the government," said Mohamed during the House's question-and-answer session today.

"But if the opposition wants to do the same then we have to stop them because it is not appropriate and they have no business in campuses," he added.

'Question does not arise'

Earlier, parliamentary secretary for the Education Ministry, Mahadzir Mohd Khir, denied that Umno had carried out political activities in institutions of higher learning and schools.

Mahadzir said any activities carried out in schools or institutions must obtain prior permission from the student affairs department of the schools, which follows regulations pertaining to student activities and discipline.

"The question of allowing any political party into schools or institutions does not arise as it is a fundamental principle that students cannot take part in political activities," said Mahadzir.

"[Therefore] the question of the rationale of government actions in allowing Puteri Umno to carry out activities in schools does not arise," he added.

Mahadzir was responding to a question by Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi (PAS - Kuala Terengganu) who asked the ministry for the rationale behind the government's action in letting Puteri Umno conduct its activities in public institutions of higher learning and schools.

Syed Azman also wanted to know whether all political parties are allowed to do the same.

Proof

The opposition MP accused Mahadzir of lying during the month of Ramadan as he (Syed Azman) had proof that a University Technology Mara (UiTM) student named Nazlina Nazrin Nasir in Shah Alam had been appointed assistant treasurer in Puteri Umno.

He said he had proof about specific cases where the ministry in co-operation with Puteri Umno had organised " kakak angkat, adik angkat " (mentor-cum-buddy) projects in Paya Keladi and Kepala Batas, Penang.

Syed Azman asked why this was permitted when students are punished if they are linked to opposition politics.

An upset Mahadzir asked the opposition MP to withdraw his words.

"I am not lying. I have never lied. I have given my answer and yet I accused of lying. Before I can even given my answer I am told that I am lying. Give me the information and I will investigate," he said.

Speaker Mohamed Zahir Ismail then told Mahadzir to answer questions on the alleged Umno activities in Paya Keladi and Kepala Batas.

Motivational activities

Mahadzir maintained that no political parties were allowed to carry out activities in schools and campuses.

However, he said there were times when an Umno member was asked to give talks in motivation camps and this should not be seen as involving the party.

These motivational activities, he added, were organised to enhance the minds of the school or college community.

"We do not go around asking everyone to join Umno unlike the opposition which has an agenda. They carry out campaigns in schools and universities to get support and psychologically influence students with their empty propaganda," said Mahadzir.

On the student who is allegedly an office bearer in Puteri Umno, Mahadzir said that Syed Azman had the information because he was probably interested in the young women's wing.

"Maybe you are very interested in Puteri Umno. I suggest you change parties and join Umno," he said.