PERCEPTION TOWARDS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS MUST BE CORRECTED: ASPIRASI

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Society''s adverse perception towards

university students needs to be corrected, according to the Malaysian Student

Leaders Alumni Aspiration Association (ASPIRASI).

Its president Mohd Shahar Abdullah said university students were now viewed

negatively as a result of the action by a few who were involved in street

demonstrations that could potentially spark public disorder.

"Actually the majority of students are all for peace and harmony in the

country. Their aim is to succeed academically.

"Hence, we want to correct such perception, as otherwise not only would

society continue to think of them negatively, the country''s image would also be

tarnished," he told a media conference on the Campus Peace Programme organised

by the association which would begin on Monday.

Mohd Shahar said the two-week programme would involve about 160 students

from 20 public and five private higher learning institutions, with the

cooperation of 19 non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"It is aimed at instilling patriotism among university students and spur

them towards intellectual development; we also want to consolidate a voice

majority to express students'' aspirations and preference for a conducive

learning and harmonious campus environment," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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