A group of non-governmental organisations have called on Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to sack its deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs Prof Azali Mohamed.

In a memorandum, the group said Azali should be responsible for all the problems cropping up under his administration, which has been accused of suppressing the rights of students.

Recently, UPM was in the spotlight after a video recording surfaced showing some 50 students from the 'pro-establishment' camp - which is backed by the campus authorities - pushing and shoving several students from their rival camp on two occasions.
Following the request from Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed, the university has set up an inquiry committee to probe the incidents.

Among others, the memorandum called on the university to initiate disciplinary action against the students who perpetrated the scuffles as well as the security officials who did not respond effectively.

Meanwhile, the group of NGOs failed to submit their memorandum when they disagreed with the university authorities to only allow three representatives to enter the administration office yesterday.

Media barred

The group of about 50 people, led by Suaram coordinator Chang Lih Kang, refused and demanded that six of them be allowed in. However, this request was turned down.

Irked by this, the group decided not to submit its memorandum and held a press conference outside the premises.

Security personnel had also barred reporters and photographers from entering the university.

Meanwhile, UPM public relations officer Dr Jambari Ali told reporters that the university was willing to accept the memorandum on the condition that only three people represent the group.

He also said vice-chancellor Prof Dr Nik Mustapa R Abdullah was in a meeting and therefore was unable to meet with the group.

The group also put up posters bearing the photographs of the pro-establishment student leader with a caption that read 'wanted'.