#TangkapMO1 rally: Focus on your studies instead, students told

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said students of higher learning institutions still need to keep their behaviour in check and ensure that their studies remain their top priority.

"You saw what happened in UM (University of Malaya) before. You rammed the gates. Was that (a) good (thing to do)? No.

"You want to be given freedom but you need to know how to analyse (a situation) and behave yourself, especially if you're in public universities and the government funds your studies," Idris told reporters after officiating the World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress at the KL Convention Centre here today.

He was asked about students' participation in the upcoming rally 'Tangkap Malaysian Official 1' (#TangkapMO1) to be held on Aug 27 in the federal capital and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Idris said, students need to remind themselves why they are in universities in the first place.

"I keep telling students they're quite free to do what is outside universities, but if they're so obsessed with going on the streets, they might forget their studies.

"Once in a while you can take part in forums and such, but don't lose sight of your studies.

"After university, you can do what you want to do, but get your degree first. Graduate on time, don't waste your time. Focus on your studies," he said.

#TangkapMO1, organised by a group called Gerakan Anak Muda, is pushing for the identity of the "Malaysian Official 1" that was stated in the civil lawsuit by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), to be revealed and be brought to justice.

US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch had last month announced that the US Government would proceed with legal action to seize more than US$1billion (RM4billion) in assets, including several high-end properties, renowned artworks and a business jet.

She had claimed that the assets were purchased by using funds stolen from 1MDB.