Speaking to FMT, he said a vice-chancellor would be expected to base such a decision on his estimation of the potential of such rallies causing harm to the university or the nation.”But what might seem detrimental to one may not be detrimental to another,” he said.

For his part, he said, he saw nothing wrong in students’ participation in public rallies. “I think as long as it is for the good of the public and the well being of a nation, it is okay. But politicians might not be too happy.”

He pointed out that students in the United Kingdom staged regular protests without being punished by their universities.

Ghauth was commenting on the recent suspension of several Universiti Malaya students for their involvement in the #TangkapMalaysianOfficial1 (MO1) rally.

An amendment made to the Universities and University Colleges Act in 2012 removed clauses that restricted students from involvement in politics inside and outside the campuses. It was former deputy education minister Saifuddin Abdullah who pushed for the amendment.

Saifuddin, now chief secretary for Pakatan Harapan, has also commented on the recent suspension of students. “I don’t understand why some VCs still want to stop students from taking part in rallies,” he said.

“If students are allowed to stand in general elections, protests are nothing. We have the Peaceful Assembly Act to administer peaceful rallies.

“Besides, VCs should focus on other tasks and leave this issue to the deputy VC in charge of student affairs. I am not saying deputy VCs should stop students. All I am saying is some VCs don’t even know what their core business is.”

Student activist Adam Adli said the action against the Universiti Malaya students had rendered the 2012 amendment meaningless.