Penang Watch

In the Pengkalan Pasir by-election UMNO's candidate was a UTM postgrad student. He was allowed to run in the election because the SPR considered that the right as a voter given to a citizen is higher than denial of right of students under the UUCA. So what is all the trouble with students being stopped from campaigning in the elections -when an UMNO student can run as a candidate? May be the Court should make a clear and unequivocal judgement to bring the issue to a closure. If all voters have voting rights -including being voted, then all voters -including students can run in elections, help others to do the same or simply just cast their vote. If the students status of a voter can override his voter's right then he should be taken out as a voter all together! The students should not be a `disabled' or `handicapped' voter/citizen!

February 11, 2008 18:39 PM      

Students Warned Not To Campaign In The General Election

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed today warned students in institutions of higher learning that they risked losing their scholarships if found to have campaigned for political parties in the upcoming general election.

He said it was an offence under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 for them to be active in politics and that stern action would be taken against those involved.

"The provisions in the Act clearly prohibit university students from being involved directly in politics and those caught violating the regulation also risk being suspended.

"But they will be allowed to cast their votes. It is their right," he told reporters after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here today.

Asked whether he would defend his parliamentary seat in the election, Mustapa, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jeli and Ayer Lanas State Assemblyman, said he would abide by whatever decision the party leadership makes as to his position.

"It is up to my boss to evaluate whether I'm eligible to contest and where. My job is to carry out the task given to me and to provide the best service for the people," he added.

-- BERNAMA