The suspension of a Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) student is oppressive and violates the student's human rights and dignity, the Malaysia Youth and Student Democratic Movement (Dema) said today.

Final year accountancy student Mohd Rizal Mohd @ Anan was suspended for three semesters beginning March this year on the ground that he had "brought disrepute to the good name of students and the university" following a comment he had made in a public forum organised by UUM's Student Representative Council[#1] (Pelajar digantung 3 semester saman UUM[/#], Apr 5).

Mohd Rizal is taking legal action against UUM for suspending him. His case was heard at the Alor Setar High Court in Kedah yesterday, but the court had asked him to file a fresh writ, according to a Bernama report.

Dema member Chai Chee Fatt in a press statement today said, "Because UUM is situated far away from other campuses and activist organisations, the oppression of the students is not public knowledge."

"The (legal) action taken by Mohd Rizal is brave and mature because it has exposed the ugliness and immaturity of the University authorities in prohibiting the practice of free speech," Chai said.

Meanwhile, Dema also condemned police reaction to a demonstration staged yesterday in support of Mohd Rizal.

According to the Bernama report yesterday, about 200 students gathered peacefully outside the court, distributing pamphlets and leaflets that criticise the Universities and University Colleges Act. However, the pamphlets were seized by police.

"It is clear that the police have restricted the students' right to assemble and free speech. The harsh action of the police is unprofessional and totally disrespects the right to assemble peacefully, which should be accorded to all students," Chai added.