In a statement, Angkatan Mahasiswa University Malaya said political parties should also not be allowed to set up shop in universities as they should not get involved in students’ affairs on campus on the grounds of democracy.

It added that such a move will also undermine democracy when it comes to campus elections.

“It will weaken those who are not funded by political parties and eliminate the impact of the student movement,” it said in a statement, adding that the student movement will be weakened being guided by political parties.

“It will also turn the campus into a platform for students involved in political parties besides giving rise to political interference on campus.”

It was responding to a proposal that is being considered by the government on allowing political parties to open branches in public universities.

The group also questioned whether this is the reason why the ministry of higher education has not repealed the controversial Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971 which restricts university autonomy and students’ freedom of expression.

Last week, higher education minister Khaled Nordin told the Dewan Rakyat that the government will not discount the possibility of allowing political parties to set up branches in universities.

He was responding to a question raised by Mersing MP Islahuddin Abas on whether any amendments would be made to Auku to allow political parties to set up branches in universities.