The contest for the Bangi state seat in Selangor will see two former lecturers-cum-colleagues doing battle and the issue has taken a scholastic twist, with the PAS candidate accusing his opponent of falsely claiming to be a professor.

At a press conference today, Dr Shafie Abu Bakar urged the Election Commission (EC) to probe the matter and disqualify Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Amran Kassim if the allegation is true.

On March 16, the opposition party lodged a police report stating that Amran's campaign posters included his 'fictitious' title.

It added that his action amounted to 'cheating and misrepresentation'. Copies of the report were distributed to the media this morning.

Shafie explained that Amran and him had worked together in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and were conferred with only 'associate professor' titles and nothing more up to their retirement.

"Even if one did receive the professor title, he cannot use the title after retirement from the university," he said.

Under Section 11(d) of the Election Offences Act 1954, those found guilty of publishing false statements of facts in relation to personal details would be liable for a two-year jail or RM1,000 fine, or both.

The candidate could also face disqualification should he win the contest.

Designed by supporters

Responding to the issue, Amran said he was in the dark about the matter as the posters are designed and put up by his supporters.

"I would like to make it clear that I did not put the professor title in my nomination form. Frankly, I have no problem with the title as I can't stop people from calling me as such.

"It is not my intention to mislead voters with the title... I was not shown the posters before they were put up," he added when contacted.

Meanwhile in the PAS press conference earlier, Shafie claimed that his former employer is practising double standards where politics is concerned.

He said the university had sent out a circular to its staff warning them against getting involved in politics but allegedly permitted one of its staff quarters to be used as a BN operations centre.

The house in Bukit Puteri belonged to a security personnel and is situated within the university vicinity.

In addition, the PAS candidate claimed that an Umno Bukit Puteri signboard was also placed within the campus compound.

"This is clear proof that the university is practising double standards," he added.

Despite numerous attempts, UKM's deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Dr Mohd Wahid Samsudin could not be reached for comment.

In another development, Shafie said PAS has also lodged a police report over the burning of one of its flags in the area.

Bangi is a new seat which falls under the Serdang parliamentary constituency following the recent redelineation exercise by the EC.

Victory in Bangi would be symbolic as it will gauge the support of educated Malays, as the constituency hosts a number of universities, training colleges and institutes.