| Restriction on university students a double standard |
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| Thursday, 26 April 2007 | |
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The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned that the government is imposing a double standard on tertiary students by prohibiting them to voice their support for political parties, while actively calling through the media for citizens over 21 to register as voters.
On April 26 the English-language daily, the Sun reported that local universities have set up election monitoring committees to monitor students' involvement in recent by-elections in the districts of Machap and Ijok. Representative from youth group Youth for Change (Y4C) also told CIJ that during an exposure trip to Ijok which the group organized, students were being followed around by university officials. The officials took photographs and video-recording the students without their consent while they were interviewing local residents.
According to the Sun, the deputy vice-chancellor of the National University of Malaysia (UKM) Profesor Dr Mohd Wahid Samsudin, said that universities were instructed by the Ministry of Higher Education to watch students to make sure they steer clear of politics.
Professor Dr. Mohd Wahid, who is also the chairman of the secretariat responsible for setting up the monitoring committee, cited the University and University Colleges Act 1972 (UUCA) as the basis to bar students involvement in politics. The Sun also reported that apparently, such monitoring committees are a norm for every by-election and general election.
Under the UUCA, students are not allowed to take active participation in politics, express support for any political parties, or speak to the media without the Vice-Chancellor's approval.
CIJ is concerned that it is unfair to restrict and deny local university students their rights to freedom of political expression, even though this is protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. In addition, as the government encourages citizens to use their right to vote, it should also recognize the need for students to get involved in the political process.
We urge the government to stop restricting students and allow them to express their view and participate in political activities and to repeal the UUCA in line with their policy of encouraging independent intellectual development.
Issued by
Sonia Randhawa
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772 |
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