Some quarters are using the name of Islamic societies to perpetrate anti-government activities in local universities, the Education Ministry parliamentary secretary claimed today.

Mahadzir Mohd Khir told reporters at the parliament lobby that it was very difficult to prevent these people from using religious societies for such "questionable activities".

He, however, did not name the societies concerned.

"These are activities that we consider to be harmful and the Universities and University Colleges Act provides that action can be taken against those involved," he said.

He added that these societies are also considered illegal as they are not registered with the respective universities, as per the UUCA.

"The act requires that all societies set up within the campuses be registered with the respective Student Affairs Department," said Mahadzir in response to criticism that the UUCA has so far been unable to control the student activities effectively.

He said that this was the rule for all local universities as the act applies to all universities with the exception of the International Islamic University and Universiti Teknologi Mara, both of which operate within their own memoranda.

Refrain from labelling

On another matter, Mahadzir told malaysiakini that there are no plans to prevent students from pursuing religious studies abroad.

"We have had no problems with government-sponsored students," he said. He admitted, however, that the government cannot track down all students who further their studies abroad.

"The best we can do is to carry out the necessary investigations when we receive reports and evidence of student involvement in activities harmful to national security."

Earlier in the House, Mahadzir called on the press to refrain from labelling the newly elected student councils in universities as being pro- or anti-government as such labels are highly controversial and would cause segregation among the students.

"We have to differentiate between the government and political parties. As the government, we only hope to provide higher education to all students," he said.

"We hope, too, that the opposition will not take advantage of this and use the campuses to recruit new members and cause splits among the students," he added.