The poor commitment shown by Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh has left the issue of undemocratic practices in local varsities unresolved, said Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner N Siva Subramaniam today.

"Suhakam expects more cooperation (from the ministry)...the (Suhakam) chairman Abu Talib Othman had led a preliminary discussion with certain groups from the universities, but they cannot decide...the minister would have to meet and solve the problem once and for all," he added.

Asked on the response from the higher education ministry, Siva (photo:right) replied, "...I hope Suhakam will be given an opportunity (to solve the problem)".

He also revealed that Suhakam had repeatedly called for the University and University Colleges Acts (UUCA) to be reviewed. It also wants to conduct a survey among students to find out their opinions towards the act.

"But until today, we are unable to reach the authorities, they seem unwilling to talk about this particular issue," he told reporters after receiving a complaint filed by Dap Youth (Dapsy).

Siva said if the issue is not solved, it could jeopardise the quality of students and higher education in Malaysia.

Scare tactics

In the complaint, Dapsy condemned Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for violationg the basics rights of its students.

UPM has since charged six students involved in the protest against the recent campus election which was marred by allegations of irregularities and intimidation.

Yesterday, the university authorities called in the riot police to disperse a student rally outside its main gates.

"The presence of Federal Reserve Unit personnel to disperse the crowd is an act of intimidation and serves to further harass and frighten students from demanding their rights," said Dapsy secretary-general Loke Siew Fook (left).

He described UPM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs department) Dr Azali Mohamed as the 'King of University'.

He said students were merely expressing their dissatisfaction against the controversial campus elections through peaceful means such as sending memorandums to Suhakam.

"Is the university authority trying to justify that students cannot even talk to a legal institution set up by the government such as Suhakam?" he asked.

He also criticised the campus authority for denying students' from having their lawyers present during disciplinary hearings.

In view of this, Loke urged Suhakam to investigate the matter immediately.

Responding, Siva promised to raise the issue and other related complaints during the commissioner's meeting scheduled on Nov 21.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the recent campus polls, saying that "if we can't have a free and fair election, we can just appoint prefects in universities, like what is practised in schools".