Human rights organisation Suaram today urged Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to drop its charges against four students hauled up for disciplinary action in connection with last September's campus polls.

Expressing grave concern over the matter, the organisation reaffirmed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right.

"Taking disciplinary action against students who are merely practicing their fundamental liberties is undemocratic," said its coordinator Chang Lih Kang in a statement.

One of the students is facing the charge of talking to the media during the election period while the rest are accused of distributing unauthorised leaflets calling for a boycott of the polls.

Probe allegations

Chang said that taking disciplinary action against students who exposed the alleged irregularities in the campus election is unprofessional.

"If USM has nothing to hide, they should have probed the allegations rather than take action against the whistle-blowers.

"In order to achieve the goal of becoming a world class higher education institution, the university must first return students their basic rights and democratic space. Failing to do so, will promote a silent culture," he added.

Chang said even the King had recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the 'unhealthy' silent culture in higher institutions.

"Therefore, Suaram would like to urge USM to retract the charges. We vow to stand by the students. We will provide full assistance including legal counsels should the university continue its undemocratic action," he added.

Abolish UUCA

On the same note, Chang reiterated Suaram's call to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) immediately.

"The act that entitles discretionary power to the university authorities is the root cause of all student's rights violations," he said.

Under the UUCA, students are not allowed to talk to the media or distribute any items without the written permission of the university's vice-chancellor.

The political culture in local public universities is centred around what are commonly termed as 'pro-establishment' and 'anti-establishment' groups.

During last September's campus elections, the 'pro-establishment' faction for the first time took control of all 17 universities amid allegations of irregularities and boycotts from their rival.

Some of the students involved in the boycott were later hauled up by their respective university authorities to face disciplinary action.