Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is expected to deliver its decision on student leader Soh Sook Hwa, who is accused of breaching the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), tomorrow.

The USM Chinese Language Society president and ex-student representative is accused of breaching Section 15 of the UUCA and "tarnishing the university's image" by allegedly campaigning for opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua in the general election.

Soh was among three USM students investigated for their involvement in the election. The other two have since graduated in August.

Soh went through a hearing last week but the university reserved its decision. A gag order was also imposed barring her from talking to the media.

If found guilty, the final year journalism student who is scheduled to complete her studies next March, could face expulsion.

Minister finds her guilty

However earlier today, Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh dampened her hope of getting an acquittal by pronouncing her guilty even before a decision is made.

"Based on the evidence that we have - photos, (party) logo, time and venue (that she was seen with) - it is indeed that she is guilty (of the charge)," Shafie told the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament's lobby later, Shafie said his statement was not meant to pre-judge or influence the USM disciplinary board's decision tomorrow.

"It is inevitable for me from answering the question raised in the House just now," he told reporters.

Drop the charge

Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth and Students Democratic Movement (Dema) has urged USM to drop the charge against Soh.

Its secretary Ginie Lim Siew Lin said everyone has the right to take part in the political process, which is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Youths and students should be given free access to information and be allowed to express views freely without fear in order to promote intellectual thinking,"she added in a statement.

She said the UUCA must be abolished as it contravenes the aspirations of the nation in paving the way for a knowledge-based and civilised society.

"The act not only restricts students' freedom of thoughts and inhibits their creative spirits, but also oppresses students who stand up for justice and freedom," she added.

In a related development, human rights group Suaram initiated an urgent appeal to support Soh.

"We call upon civil society groups and concerned individuals to write to the USM authority, to express concern and urge USM to stop intimidating students with repressive measures," said Suaram Penang branch coordinator Choo Chon Kai in a statement.

He called on those who have been supportive to Soh to send their appeal letters to USM as soon as possible.

"We believe that the huge number of appeals from concerned individuals and groups, has had an effect and this led the disciplinary board to suspend its decision on Nov 24," he said.

Choo, a former USM student, was himself suspended for one semester in January 2002 for possessing anti-Internal Security Act badges.