Withdraw haram allegation, UM told
Pauline PuahPublished: Aug 11, 2005 12:16 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
Universiti Malaya has branded one of its student associations as ' haram ' (prohibited). The irked association has demanded that the allegation be retracted.
Universiti Malaya has branded one of its student associations as 'haram' (prohibited). The irked association has demanded that the allegation be retracted.
"We object the allegation," said the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) in a statement yesterday.
The association also took offence with the claim that it was unauthorised and hence students must not join it.
Umany said although it has not registered with the university, this does not make it an unauthorised entity.
"Under the Malaysian constitution, everyone has the right to set up and join any organisation. Therefore, UM students also have the right to join Umany," it added.
It described the warning issued to students against joining the association as excessive and unreasonable.
"The objective was to create fear among students to vote for students who align themselves with the university," said Umany in reference to the upcoming campus election next month.
Warning notices
Yesterday, malaysiakini reported that UM issued three warning notices to students not to get involved in undesirable activities.
One of the notices prohibited students from partaking in a trip to Kuala Selangor to watch the fireflies organised by Umany.
Students were warned that they could face action under the Universities and University Colleges Act (1971) if they are found to be involved in the association's activities.
In its statement, Umany said although it did not seek an approval from the students affairs department, this does not justify that they were involved in 'haram' activities.
It explained that the purpose of the trip held on July 30-31 was to create environmental awareness and familiarise students with the history of Kuala Selangor.
"The trip did not bring any threat to society and the nation or breached the law," it said, adding that the allegations by the university has placed Umany in a bad light.
Contacted later, a Umany spokesperson said the university's motive to issue the warning only after the trip was questionable.
"They are trying to frighten the students not to get involved in our activities," said the student leader who declined to be named.
"We object the allegation," said the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) in a statement yesterday.
The association also took offence with the claim that it was unauthorised and hence students must not join it. Umany said although it has not registered with the university, this does not make it an unauthorised entity.
"Under the Malaysian constitution, everyone has the right to set up and join any organisation. Therefore, UM students also have the right to join Umany," it added.
It described the warning issued to students against joining the association as excessive and unreasonable.
"The objective was to create fear among students to vote for students who align themselves with the university," said Umany in reference to the upcoming campus election next month.
Warning notices
Yesterday, malaysiakini reported that UM issued three warning notices to students not to get involved in undesirable activities.
One of the notices prohibited students from partaking in a trip to Kuala Selangor to watch the fireflies organised by Umany.
Students were warned that they could face action under the Universities and University Colleges Act (1971) if they are found to be involved in the association's activities. In its statement, Umany said although it did not seek an approval from the students affairs department, this does not justify that they were involved in 'haram' activities.
It explained that the purpose of the trip held on July 30-31 was to create environmental awareness and familiarise students with the history of Kuala Selangor.
"The trip did not bring any threat to society and the nation or breached the law," it said, adding that the allegations by the university has placed Umany in a bad light.
Contacted later, a Umany spokesperson said the university's motive to issue the warning only after the trip was questionable.
"They are trying to frighten the students not to get involved in our activities," said the student leader who declined to be named.
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