The decision to ban political parties from doing so was because “many” did not agree to it, he said.

“It is also unreasonable to have political parties in universities,” he said when winding up his speech at the Dewan Rakyat.

Earlier this month, Khaled said Putrajaya would consider allowing political parties to set up branches in universities.

On a related matter, Khaled said universities were given the autonomy to decide whether to allow political leaders on its grounds.

“The ministry will not issue any directive to bar any political leaders from going into campus.

“It’s up to the university. However, they (the university) should be informed.”

Khaled said this in response to a supplementary question by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) who said opposition politicians were previously barred from entering public universities.

Khaled added that there had always been a misconception that the ministry had issued directives to bar political leaders.

“It is not under our purview.”