As Malaysia's 17 public universities warm up for another round of campus polls, the Universiti Malaya Muslim Students Association (PMI) - an anti-establishment group - is finding out that politics can be a dirty business.

It has been targeted in a smear campaign via claims in a number of claims that have been displayed around the campus ahead of elections, widely expected to be held this month.

One flyer alleges that PMI is a 'Jewish agent' because the association's activities have been funded by the non-profit German-based Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Another accuses PMI president Mohd Dzul Khairi Mohd Noor of being a 'hypocrite' for putting up a pious front despite allegedly being a 'womaniser'.

A third claim is that Mohd Dzul Khairi manipulates students into taking part in demonstrations, and calls for UM to be saved from him.

The message ends with the slogan 'UM is One', used by the 'pro-government' or Aspirasi student group.

They are often pitted against the anti-establishment Gagasan Mahasiswa coalition - who called themselves 'pro-students' - at the often bitterly contested annual polls held simultaneously nationwide.

At a press conference today, PMI spokesperson Azlan Zailan said the allegations are "provocative" and "lies", and that evidence is being compiled to be forwarded to UM vice-chancellor Rafiah Salim soon.

"In the past, such flyers have been used to attack the 'anti-establishment' groups, but now they are used to tarnish and single out PMI," he said.

He accused the Aspirasi group of violating regulations because it has started campaigning and is introducing their candidates even before the election date has been announced.

Azlan also alleged that hostel wardens have began carrying out spot-checks on students' rooms and have been warning students not to participate in activities organised by the 'anti-establishment' groups.

At the same time, he denied that PMI had anything to do with two banners critical of Rafiah. These refer to her as a "grandmother" and accuse her of "conspiring" with PMI.

"The university authorities have questioned us on the matter. The student affairs department wants to believe it was our doing, but we're not involved," said Azlan.

Nazri express support

PMI will submit a memorandum in relation to these matters and the campus polls. It will call for balloting to be done at the faculties instead if hostels; the appointment of credible scrutineers from among lecturers and university administrators; and for clean, fair and transparent elections.

In recent years, campus polls have been marred by accusations of discrepancies and government interference.

In another development, umbrella group Malaysian Student Solidarity (SMM) met Parliamentary Human Rights Caucus chairperson Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz in Parliament today to discuss issues relating to campus polls.

Speaking to reporters later, Nazri said some of the matters discussed will be raised at tomorrow's cabinet meeting, particularly with Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed.

"I'll talk to Mustapa about extending the campaign period, abolishing the (electronic) voting system and ensuring that the polls are free and fair," said Nazri, who is also minister in the prime minister's department.

He promised to release a statement tomorrow on behalf of the caucus, supporting the demands made by the student groups.

SMM represents six prominent student bodies from several public universities.