Law student Asheeq Ali said he received a letter today on UKM’s final decision on the disciplinary action to be taken against him for his participation in last August’s #TangkapMO1 rally.

“The disciplinary committee has made a final decision on my appeal. They have upheld the suspension but reduced the period from one semester (of six months) to a month. UKM also upheld the RM200 fine,” he told FMT.

Asheeq was told in the letter that his suspension would commence upon the conclusion of the court action he had initiated against UKM.

“UKM has delayed any punishment until the court has made a decision.

“I still do not agree with the suspension. I will continue my suit against UKM to challenge the suspension.”

Asheeq said to date 10 students had been penalised for speaking up against “Malaysian Official 1” and on the 1MDB saga.

“Students should be given the space to think and speak critically about policies and politics. This madness must be stopped immediately.”

Asheeq claims UKM’s action contravenes Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

He claimed the UKM disciplinary board had failed to prove its case to justify the action against him.

The first mention of the case against the university was heard last Dec 16. The second mention is scheduled for Monday.

Universiti Malaya also recently suspended for six months four of its students for their part in the August rally.

They were found guilty of “acting in a manner detrimental and prejudicial to the interests and good reputation of the university; acting in a manner detrimental to public safety; and violating the university’s regulations” by organising and participating in the rally.