KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, who was due to resume studies at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) next month, was today suspended indefinitely by the institution.
According to a notice sent to Adam by UPSI, his suspension will remain in effect until he is cleared of a sedition charge he is currently facing.
“The letter stated that suspension was imposed with immediate effect and would only expire after the trial is over,” Adam (picture) was quoted as saying by news portal Malaysiakini today.
The 24-year-old student activist was first suspended by UPSI in January 2012 over an incident in which he had lowered a bunting bearing the likeness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during a student protest outside the Putra World Trade Centre the month before.
The suspension was for three semesters and would have expired this month.
Adam later said he will challenge the new suspension, adding that it was unlawful since it was done without a new disciplinary hearing.
He is currently facing a charge under the Sedition Act for allegedly calling for the overthrow of the government through street protests during a forum in Kuala Lumpur after the May 5 general election that saw Barisan Nasional retain power.
If convicted, he faces a jail term of at least three years or a fine of up to RM5,000 or both.
