The Student Solidarity Malaysia (SMM) alliance is considering putting forward student candidates to contest in the 13th general election.

SMM president Muhammad Safwan Anang told Malaysiakini today that this suggestion will be discussed during the 4th National Students Movement Congress next Saturday.

“We are considering this because we don’t trust the current leadership, especially seeing how the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) was used against five students in Kedah,” said Safwan.

muhammad safwan anang launch police report 050112 safwan anang 02 Safwan ( left ) emphasised that no decision has been made yet, including on whether to offer their candidates to the opposition parties or to run as independents.

“There is no consensus on what action to take. We will be discussing all our options during the congress and getting feedback from politicians and members of the public,” he said.

Another suggestion being mooted is producing a students’ manifesto to pressure political parties regarding student demands.

The theme of the congress will be ‘Students for Malaysia’, and it will take place at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre auditorium from morning till midnight.

Other issues that will be discussed include free education, amending the UUCA, academic freedom and abolishing the National Higher Education Loan (PTPTN) fund.

“We need to bring together all these issues, and put forward a national student agenda for the general public.

“Once the election begins, it will be more difficult for our demands to be heard,” said Safwan.

Politicians from both sides of the political divide have been invited to attend, including Nurul Izzah Anwar of PKR and Saifuddin Abdullah from Umno.

However, they have not yet confirmed their participation.

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