Former UM student body leader denies DAP links

Wong Yan Ke says the University of Malaya Association of New Youth had spoken out against both the government and opposition.

PETALING JAYA: The Universiti Malaya graduate who sparked controversy after carrying out a lone protest during his convocation has denied claims the student body he once headed was linked to the DAP.

Former University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) president Wong Yan Ke said none of its members have joined political parties, including the DAP.

Wong said the association had, in fact, spoken out against the government and opposition on as number of topics, including the minimum wage and the budget cuts for universities.

“Just because there are those who do not share your view, it does not make them DAP members,” he said in a statement.

Earlier today, Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis) president Muhammad Ikhwan Nasyriq Salahin claimed during a gathering to support embattled Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim that Umany had ties with the DAP.

Wong also expressed regret that one of the participants at today’s gathering was arrested by police even though it was a peaceful event.

“I urge the police to release the student immediately and respect the right to assemble and speech,” he said.

Wong sparked controversy when he carried a placard on stage after he received his scroll to protest against Rahim, saying he had shamed the university when it co-organised the Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6.

The congress made headlines after chief organiser Zainal Kling questioned the citizenship of non-Malays. - FMT