The issue of 'money politics' in the recently concluded campus elections - alleged to be the work of Umno Youth - should not be blown out of proportion, said Education Minister Musa Mohamed today.

"Every university has its own election machinery and the ministry lets them handle these allegations. It's just a small matter, there is no need to create an uproar.

"This is campus election, not the general election," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

The campus polls last Thursday, similar to those in the past, was tainted with partisan politics and allegations.

Among the charges, were that 'pro-establishment' candidates known as 'Aspirasi Kerajaan' were being sponsored by Umno Youth.

It was alleged that these students received monetary support and free mobile phones.

Apolitical polls

Asked on the claim that the undergraduates affairs departments had also assisted the 'pro-establishment' candidates, Musa said he did not receive any complaint or report about this.

He added that the ministry will also not set up an independent committee to probe the matter.

The minister also stressed that campus polls should be free of political elements and be confined to students' welfare instead.

"The ministry doesn't encourage pro-government or pro-opposition factions. Students should fight for their welfare instead of these political elements in campus," he said.

However, Musa said he was pleased that the 'pro-establishment' students had won in several universities.

Apart from retaining control in Universiti Institut Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) and Universiti Utara Malaysia, 'pro-establishment' candidates also won in 'anti-establishment' strongholds of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

While the 'anti-establishment' candidates swooped to victory in Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

General fear

Meanwhile, Musa said the ministry did not intend to abolish campus elections since the contest is required under the Universities and University Colleges Act.

"The polls is required to elect the office-bearers of the student representative council by students themselves, it is a common practice.

"The difference in the polls compared to other developed countries is that their students focus more on campus, solid and academic topics but our students focus on politics," he added.

The minister also pointed out the general fear that the opposition was trying to distract students from their main objectives to achieve a sound education and become good citizens.

"This is our main concern, that the opposition is trying to influence the undergraduates," he said.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged students to support the government since the public universities were being funded by the government.