THE Kuala Lumpur High Court today granted leave for four university students to challenge Universiti Malaya’s decision that they breached disciplinary rules by holding up placards at a 1Malaysia Development Berhad forum in October last year.

The leave was granted by judge Azizah Nawawi.

Counsel Lim Wei Jiet said the group was “pleased” with today’s decision.

“This means that the courts view the grounds to challenge the university’s decision to convict the students as not being frivolous or vexatious.”

While 1MDB group executive director and president Arul Kanda Kandasamy was addressing the crowd at the forum, the four students held up placards stating “Students want answers” and “1MDB – We want answers”.

They were found guilty at a disciplinary hearing in January and were initially fined between RM200 and RM600. They received an “amaran keras” (severe warning) after an appeal.

The four are former Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth president Ho Chi Yang, deputy president Tan Jia You, publicity bureau head Chua Hun Ti and secretary-general Lau Li Yang.

Lim said the university had not complied with its own disciplinary rules in the conduct of its proceedings, and that it also breached the rules of natural justice and the presumption against bias.

“The university official who prepared the charge is also the person who presided over the disciplinary hearing and would determine whether the students were guilty.”

He added that UM did not take into account the fact that the event was not disrupted and remained peaceful throughout.

During a similar town hall session involving former US president Barack Obama, students also held up placards, Lim said.

“They were not punished. In fact, the US embassy released a statement that they were in support of free speech.

“This should be the stance taken by the university, one that respects the freedom of speech of students.

“All the above complaints remain grounds for judicial review. We look forward to the matter being determined on its merits.” – September 13, 2017.