THE Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has never prevented any party, including politicians, from entering and conducting programmes at public higher education institutions.

Its minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, however, said that those who want to hold any programmes at higher learning institutions must first discuss with their management.

“Maybe there was a communication breakdown, so we really hope both parties can meet and make arrangements so it can be held at another time,” he said after chairing the Johor Umno Liaison Committee meeting today.

The Kota Tinggi MP was commenting on an incident where Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was barred from entering Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam for a dialogue session on the exploitation of unpaid and underpaid interns last Thursday.

The interactive session titled “Interns Are Not Free Labour”, organised by Muda’s affiliated body Mahasiswa Demokratik, was cancelled by the university on the grounds of maintaining campus harmony and to focus on spiritual programmes in the month of Ramadan.

In a statement, UiTM told its students they are free to participate in any politically related campaigns or activities on or off campus, as long as it is approved by the university.

“Students are only allowed to participate in talks on campus that have been approved by the university.

“The university is responsible for maintaining the institution’s reputation and ensuring activities held are in line with the values and culture of the university,” the its student affairs division said via Twitter yesterday. – Bernama, April 1, 2023.