Street protest not best way to fight price hikes - student reps

 

Student leaders of several higher learning institutions have come out against the #Turun street protest held in front of the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on July 23 over the price increase of goods.

They said, through separate statements, that the actions taken by the protesters could create an unpleasant situation and affect harmony in the country.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) head, Ahmad Fahmi Fazli, said a collective effort by all parties, including undergraduates, should be the norm to deal with the current uncertain economic situation.

He suggested that the government involves student representatives when making decisions on the welfare of tertiary-level students.

“We are prepared to give our views and will also welcome the decisions made that can benefit all the undergraduates in Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SRC of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) regarded the protest as adding salt to injury while the country struggles with the uncertain economic situation and it opined that any problem should be resolved amicably.

It suggested the use of various existing channels between the public and leaders for the views of undergraduates to be heard.

The SRC of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) said the hike in the price of goods should be tackled professionally.

“The best way is to hold discussions and use the proper channels to enable the ideas and aspirations of the undergraduates to reach the government for consideration,” it added.

The right channels

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Students’ Union (KMUKM) is confident the best solution can be found through the right channels as all existing issues can be resolved through negotiations with the responsible parties.

Earlier, Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad reportedly said the Keluarga Malaysia Undergraduates Cost of Living Action Committee, through its first meeting, agreed to implement a number of initiatives to strengthen governance and boost efficiency in channelling aid to undergraduates.

The initiatives include the Keluarga Malaysia Undergraduate Food Baskets which offered a menu worth RM3.50 and boosting the Undergraduates Food Bank through the establishment of a hub for collecting and distributing necessities for students.

- Bernama