The Pan-Malaysian Coalition of Islamic Undergraduates (Gamis) today criticised the police for detaining two student activists under the Internal Security Act (ISA) recently.

Gamis president Kamarulzaman Abdullah said in a statement that the police action was 'cruel and inhumane' and that the arrests of undergraduates Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin, 24, and Mohamad Fuad Mohd Ikhwan, 22, under the ISA were politically motivated.

"If both were detained to assist in police investigations, then the ISA should not be used," Kamrulzaman said.

"The detentions clearly show that there is pressure (by certain quarters) to destroy the student movement which is vocal in demanding for justice, truth and peace in this beloved country," he added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya's Student Representative Council (MPMUM) at a press conference today to launch its Peace Mission Declaration, urged authorities to release its president Mohd Fuad and not to torture or abuse him.

MPMUM first deputy-president Aznur Hafeez Kaswuri told reporters that the declaration calling for Fuad's release would be sent to the Home Affairs Minister, the Inspector-General of Police, the UM deputy vice-chancellor and the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Students matured

Asked to comment on claims that 'militant activities' were on the rise among university students, Aznur said he did not understand how such a conclusion was arrived at.

"We do not see any activities carried out by the students that can deemed as militant," he said, adding that the present university students were matured.

"Our president Fuad was even involved in the National Students' Consultation Council which is more diplomatic than confrontational," Aznur said.

Following the fire which destroyed Universiti Malaya's Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC) hall on June 29, several politicians have tried to link the incident to what they claimed to be the involvement of 'militant elements' in local universities.

Puteri Umno leader Azalina Othman gatecrashed a press conference on the DTC fire held by UM's vice-chancellor Prof Anuar Zaini last week and demanded for the latter's resignation.

Azalina claimed that the vice-chancellor had failed to take appropriate action to curb anti-government activities among the students and that Puteri Umno was concerned about 'militant student movements on local campuses.'