UM students set aside political differences to make 13 demands

Amid a political climate marred by deep divisions, student activists from Universiti Malaya today put up a united front to demand for their rights.

Some 50 students from the UM student council, and other student bodies such as Umany, Gamis, and those linked to political parties such as Umno, and PKR gathered in front of the university's chancellory to make 13 demands.

"We set aside our political differences to gather today and voice out students' dissatisfaction with the UM administration because they have been cruel to us," said UmnoSiswa rep, Muhammad Mirza Adnan.

The 13 demands include;

1. A more efficient UM shuttle bus service.

2. Lower fees for industrial training and those who extend their semesters.

3. Repairs and maintenance to roofed walkways.

4. Free-rent for facilities to student bodies.

5. Lower first-year student intake until facilities are upgraded.

6. Increased allocations to improve faculty facilities and residential colleges.

7. Operations rooms for registered student bodies.

8. Campus freedoms in line with the Federal Constitution.

9. Protect the welfare of women, the disabled, international, and postgraduate students.

10. Better security throughout the campus.

11. For the Petaling Jaya gate to be open 24 hours.

12. Better aid to B40 and hardcore poor (BL40) students.

13. An inclusive, efficient, responsible, and student-friendly administration.

The demands were outlined in a memorandum reportedly signed by over 3,000 students and endorsed by seven UM student bodies and 14 student NGOs.

UM student council president Mohd Akmal Hazieq Ahmad Rumaizi handed over the memorandum to a representative from the vice-chancellor's office.

The memorandum states that if the university does not take the demands seriously, the students will take the matter up to the Education Ministry and the prime minister.

In his speech earlier, Mohd Akmal called on the UM administration to stop wasting funds on extravagant activities at hotels and focus instead on student welfare.

Under Budget 2020, an extra RM57 million was allocated to UM, bringing their total allocation for next year to RM462.7 million.

The gathering ended with Mohd Akmal having his head shaved (above) as a sign of his commitment to the student movement. - Mkini