UPM denies curbing campus democracy with screening rules

Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) campus election organisers have denied allegations that the screening of campaign material was unfair or undemocratic.

In a statement yesterday, the student council election committee made it a rule for it to screen campaign material to prevent "provocation" and "incitement" which could cause "hatred, anger and anxiety" among students on matters concerning race and religion.

On complaints against the committee for barring criticisms against the university administration as part of the campaign, it said election rules do not prevent criticism against university policy but the criticism should not be personal, false or be related to race and religion.

"These regulations are there to ensure a healthy campaign and reflect the maturity of the candidates," the committee said.

It was referring to a press conference by the Gerakan Mahathir Maju (GMM) two days ago on rules stipulating that all campaign material - including those to be used on social media - must be subject to approval by the election committee.

GMM said the rules, issued on March 12, went against the spirit of campus democracy because campus elections allowed student representatives to provide checks and balances on policies.

UPM will conduct the student council elections today.

GMM told Malaysiakini yesterday that it had complained about the rules through internal channels to no avail and called the press conference to air its grievances.

However, the committee argued in their statement that GMM should have contacted them first to discuss the matter.

"The election committee is always ready to support efforts to enhance democracy and empower students," it said.

The committee comprises 91 students. Apart from organising the election, it also decides on the rules. - Mkini