Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has rejected the appeal of student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, who was suspended for three semesters for damaging the university’s reputation.

According to Malay daily Sinar Harian, UPSI deputy vice-chancellor (student and alumni affairs) Junaidi Abu Bakar has confirmed the decision, and the suspension has commenced.

“The case has ended. The appeal was not accepted because he was convicted under clause 3(a) (i) and (ii), Part II, General Discipline, UPSI Rules (Student Discipline) 1999, and the punishment was enforced starting from the 2011/12 Semester II until the end of the 2012/2013 Semester II.

NONE“The student disciplinary appeal committee had convened on March 8 and upheld the punishment,” he said.

The committee found that Adam’s (centre in photo) action has damaged the interests and good name of the university, students and staff, as well as public security and order.

The coordinator of student group Legasi Mahasiswa Progresif was suspended by the campus authorities after he had swapped a flag bearing the prime minister’s image with a banner that read “liberate academic freedom” in front of the Umno headquarters at the Putra World Trade Centre on Dec 17 last year.

It happened during a street demonstration held by university students to demand greater academic freedom for higher learning institutions.