Human rights group Suaram today criticised newly minted Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed for his 'medieval' call on students to concentrate on their studies and forget everything else.

"The statement is simply disgusting. It shows that the mindset of the minister is way outmoded.

"The medieval remark has shown that he is no better than the previous ministers, who have no understanding of human rights at all," said Suaram coordinator Chang Lih Kang in a statement.

Yesterday, Mustapa (left) said students should not put their future at risk by participating in street demonstrations.

"We want our students to concentrate on their studies. If they breach the law, then they will be hauled up. You are studying, so don't get involved in demonstrations," he added.

The minister was commenting on the case of 17 Universiti Malaya (UM) students who faced disciplinary action for gathering in front of the Parliament building and protesting against the alleged irregularities in the 2005 campus elections.

Mustapa also revealed that the case against the 17 was dropped on Monday.

End the witch-hunt

Meanwhile, Chang said prohibiting students from getting involved in demonstrations is not only unconstitutional, but also a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Besides, he added, the minister's statement also contradicted Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's wish to see students develop a sound character alongside academic excellence.

"How are we going to expect students to have good character if they are not allowed to voice out dissatisfaction on irregularities?" he asked.

Therefore, Chang said Mustapa must apologise for his retrogressive statement and direct all universities to cease their witch-hunt

Some 20 students have been hauled-up in several universities in connection with the protest and boycott launched over the campus polls, which they claimed was laden with irregularities.

The polls saw the 'pro-establishment' faction sweeping to victory in all 17 public universities for the first time.

Commenting on this, Chang said taking disciplinary action against whistleblowers is completely unwarranted and is tantamount to an act of bullying

"They have done nothing wrong but to tell the truth. If the university authorities have nothing to hide, they should have stopped the notorious disciplinary proceedings and conduct serious investigation on the said irregularities.

"Failing to do so, renders the university authorities incompetent," he added.

Chang also reiterated Suaram's call to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), which 'infringe students' rights'.