Mara students associated with terrorist groups will be expelled - Annuar Musa

Universiti Technology Mara (UiTM) students and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) sponsored students here and abroad, have been warned to stay away from activities that can threaten the security of the nation.

Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa said students found to have links with terrorist movements would be expelled and their sponsorship withdrawn immediately.

"Students sponsored by Mara and studying abroad are not allowed to be associated with organisations that are not recognised by Mara, Malaysian embassy or the respective universities.

"This applies to students studying here too. If they (students) are found to have been involved in such organisations or associations, they will be expelled and further action taken," he told reporters after hosting a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Bukit Marak, Peringat, here today.

Annuar was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement yesterday claiming he was worried that the influence of Daesh was strongest at higher learning institutions.

He said 200,000 students are studying in UiTM throughout the country, including Mara sponsored students overseas.

"We are monitoring the situation and only a few reports of such involvement has emerged from the authorities in the United States. They (US) have informed us that some Mara students are involved and we have held counselling sessions with them," he said adding that Mara viewed such issues seriously.

"Everyone has to monitor and play a role in nipping such problems in the bud. All activities of students must be screened by the universiti because such issues have become a global problem," he said.

About 15,000 people from all walks of life and race turned up for Annuar's open house.