Universiti Sains Malaysia disregarded the request by students in the Chinese Language Society to participate in the Inter-Varsity Malaysia-Singapore debate in May, as punishment for their "negative behaviours", according to the Education Ministry.

"These negative behaviours include calling for reporters to be present during disciplinary procedures, making press statements and twisting facts, inciting members to join illegal assemblies, disobeyed the order not to assemble and distributing leaflets and printed materials without permission," Minister Musa Mohamad said in Parliament today.

"A number of students have constantly done things to worsen the situation," he said in a written statement in response to a question by Chow Kon Yeow (DAP - Tanjung).

The member of Parliament had asked the ministry to state why it took action against USM's Chinese Language Society, commonly known as Persatuan Bahasa Tionghua or PBT.

In his statement, Musa said the university has yet to take any action against the society but has issued it with a show-cause letter on why it should not be banned, citing nine cases.

"The matter is still being discussed and under consideration," said Musa.

Musa said the students were given stern warnings, asked to pay fines and write an apology to the university. He said they were "disrespectful and disobedient" of the constitution, guidelines and the 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act.

Four students who had went ahead without the university's permission to take part in the said debate in Singapore were fined RM150 each in early August.

The society has also come under fire from the university for its members' alleged involvement in an 'illegal assembly' last November to protest against the proposed Vision School, selling anti-ISA badges on campus grounds and speaking to the media to complain about "unreasonable treatment" from the university.

University responsible

Meanwhile, Chow said he regretted the action by the university authorities as the students have applied to attend the debate but were not given a reply by the university.

"Therefore, they (university) should also be responsible [for the current fray]," he said.

Chow said student participation in the debate should be encouraged to expose them to challenges beyond their academic circle. The university administration should be sensitive to the needs of students to be involved in domestic and international political development.

"Do not just take the easy way out to curb their awareness by using the UUCA and other university guidelines," he said.

He urged the university to dismiss the 'disciplinary' action against the society and allow it to continue to organise 'healthy' activities for students.