Universiti Malaya (UM) has barred students from attending a national students convention tomorrow because students are expected to discuss political issues.

UM vice-chancellor Dr Ghauth Jasmon said in a campus circular today that the convention was against section 15 of the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA).

NONE "Therefore, all students are prohibited from participating or involving themselves in any of the congress' activities," he said.

He said any students found defying his directive can be subjected to disciplinary actions as prescribed under UUCA.

Dr Ghauth Jasmon was referring to the National Students Movement Congress, originally scheduled to take place at Taman Setiawangsa.

Congress organisers are believed to be linked to 'anti-establishment' student movements, including its national umbrella body Malaysian Students Solidarity, better known by its Malay acronym SMM.

After owners of a hall cancelled their booking at the eleventh-hour, congress organisers have relocated the event to the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre.

Between 500 to 800 students are expected to participate in the congress.