As the annual campus elections draws near, the so-called 'anti-establishment' students are bracing themselves for another onslaught from the well-funded and connected 'pro-establishment' faction.

While the Higher Education Ministry has yet to announce a date, the polls are expected to be held simultaneously in 17 varsities nationwide by the end of the month or early next month.

Currently, students are on a one-week school break and the majority of them will resume classes next Monday.

Those vying for a spot on the students representative council - which comprises the winners in the election - have already started their preparations on the ground.

It is also learnt that the 'pro-establishment' (also known as government aspiration) faction and the 'anti-establishment' (also known as student idealists) faction are in the midst of finalising their candidates.

Campus elections here are divided along the lines of partisan politics, with the 'pro-establishment' team said to be sponsored by the university authorities and backed by the government while the rival faction is seen as leaning towards the opposition.

Campus polls are also keenly observed by politicians as it allows them to gauge the support of students for the various political parties.

Reformasi era

In 1998, following the sacking of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and the birth of the reformasi movement, the 'anti-establishment' faction managed to sweep into power in several universities.

However, the 'pro-establishment' faction regained control over the past two years amid allegations of irregularities, money politics and intimidation tactics.

At present, three major universities are said to be controlled by the 'anti-establishment' faction.

One student leader said the pressure imposed on the anti-establishment faction's candidates and supporters and the alleged unfair election rules were the most effective tools used by the campus authorities to ensure victory for the rival faction.

"We have substantial basis and proof to support our claim. Unfair election rules in the past have included electronic voting, the recording of the ballot paper series number, raising the amount of deposit and academic qualification to be a candidate," he said on condition of anonymity.

(Under the restrictive Universities and University Colleges Act, students are prohibited from speaking to the media unless they obtain written permission from the vice-chancellor.)

In Universiti Malaya last year, the 'anti-establishment' candidates boycotted the polls after university officials allegedly refused to endorse their nomination forms without giving any reason.

Previously, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students had strongly-opposed the implementation of the electronic voting system as it allegedly lacked transparency.

Introduced in 2003, the new system paved the way for 'pro-establishment' candidates to take control of the university for the first time that year.

'Extreme terrorists'

Last year, two UPM student representatives claimed that they were assaulted by varsity officials in the run-up to the polls.

The duo were harassed and their parents had also received threatening calls when they contested in the campus polls as 'anti-establishment' candidates.

The Chinese candidates in the faction also came under fire and leaflets accusing them of 'extreme terrorists' were widely distributed.

The 'anti-establishment' faction have also complained of their hostel rooms being raided by varsity officials whenever the election draws near.

Students have also been threatened with expulsion from the residential college if they voted for the 'anti-establishment' faction.

The 'anti-establishment' faction has also cried foul with the move to adjust the number of contested seats as this affected their chances of victory.

There have also been allegations of monetary support coming in from Umno and candidates being promised cash and mobile phones.