Students from International Islamic University (UIA) are against a newly-introduced system that allows the university's administration to appoint a student representatives.

Final year Islamic studies student, Mohd Naserul, said instead of picking a representative through campus elections, the university had decided to pick one for the education faculty.

"Students interested in the positions have been told to submit their names, and those shortlisted will be interviewed by the administration," he said.

Mohd Naserul said that most of the students were unhappy with the move and have objected to it, saying the system could be easily be manipulated to suit vested interest.

universiti malaya um campus election 200109 vote counting "We will protest once the campus elections are over, as the student body will be in place by then," he said.

Several students, however, seem amenable to the new system as it meant they did not have to get involved in the elections, thus freeing themselves to concentrate on studies.

"Perhaps it is because there are not many students in this (education) faculty. That is why they are not keen on getting involved in campus affairs," he said.

Mohd Naserul stressed on the importance of rejecting the move to do away with elections for the student rep of the education faculty, as eventually it may be imposed on other faculties.

The new system was announced just when nominations were  announced yesterday. UIA elections will be held on Jan 21.

The campaign period has also been extended. Usually, nominations are announced about three days prior to the elections, but this year there are six days for campaigning.

Campus elections elsewhere are picking up pace. University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)'s nomination day is on Jan 25 and the election three days later.

Nominations for University Utara Malaysia is on Jan 25 while elections are on Jan 29. University Malaya and University Kebangsaan Malaysia are expected to follow suit soon.