I refer to your several reports on the problems students in Malaysia have over the Universities and University Colleges Act, 1971 (UUCA). I find myself very lucky indeed not to have to study in that kind of environment.

I sincerely hope that for the sake of a new generation of leaders, that Malaysians seriously work together to eradicate such oppressive laws that seek to kill the human spirit.

I have friends who have said that the police are working hand in hand with university authorities who are too weak to resist the power of the state. Pro-active students face expulsion almost on police recommendation.

I believe that in such a case where fear of the state prevails, university authorities would not give a hoot about justice. I can imagine that in such a case even the law lecturers would toe the line once the administration sets an example of weak leadership.

This is exactly what lack of university autonomy will do. I hope Malaysians would garner enough steam to develop some kind of resistance on this matter.

If the ISA can find support, then I would only think that it is fair for human rights groups to come together for the repeal of the UUCA. I think UiTM and UIA have similar laws to the UUCA which require similar resistance.

I was taken aback by the report on the USM students being told to shut up about what happened at their disciplinary hearing. USM had a very open tradition. I am sad that now USM is in the same camp as UiTM. UiTM did not have a long tradition of being a university. USM has less of an excuse for its recent action.