The press statement of the "MSA Executive Council" disapproving NZUSA tactics used in its campaign for democratic rights for Malaysians was rejected by the majority of MSA members at its AGM on September 14. A resolution was passed at the meeting that MSA disassociate itself from the statement as it did not represent their opinions.

It is clear to all that in such a contentious issue, concerning the democratic rights of Malaysian students here, the executives of VUMSA and other MSA's have acted in a "secretive and undemocratic manner" without bothering to consult their members. The proposal to form the "executive council" was made in May but members of VUMSA in particular were not consulted at any stage.

In fact when I went to attend one of its meetings on August 28 an attempt was made to exclude me. I only learnt of this meeting through a committee member an hour before the meeting.

At the AGM, L.C. Goh roundly condemned this whole procedure as undemocratic having been done in a "secretive manner".

This, however is not the only undemocratic method the former MSA executive used to put forward a minority opinion. At the AGM members were asked to amend the constitution under the guise of "tidying up" certain articles. No notice was given prior to this move. As a result there was inadequate time to consider the amendment in detail. However I would also raise the point here as to why L.C. Goh had four hours to study the amendments the night before as he told me, while no one including myself was consulted? This is highly improper.

Examining the amendments which the members foolishly assented to I understand why the MSA executive committee have acted in such an underhand manner.

I admit that at the AGM I did not clearly see the implications of this amendment and I was criticised for not being clear on why I opposed this. The lack of time in considering the changes in my case was raised in objections to the chairman of the meeting, but was ignored. I do not question the integrity of the chairman but I must point out that there was a hurry to get the discussion over with, as time was running short. In doing so members failed to consider the implications of a new article (17) which gives the association power to expel members on political grounds as I read it. This is clearly directed at persons who act to the "detriment" of MSA, whatever it means.

An additional clause was introduced stating that the MSA maintain liaison with the Malaysian government.

The above two amendments show the clear intention of the former executive committee to ignore the political welfare of its members, a fact already demonstrated by its behaviour over the Khoo issue. It might interest everyone that another Malaysian student has been deported from NZ. And this is the type of issue the former executive committee would like to ignore.

The new committee must be held to its election promise that it will look after members' political welfare. Steven Oh the new president made this promise and I say that the first move he should take is to make a public statement to the effect that the VUMSA has disassociated itself from the action of the MSA Executive Council.

There are enough undemocratic means used by people who are supposed to rule on our behalf at home. I do not wish to see this being practiced here by Malaysians who pretend to support my beliefs and yet resort to the same undemocratic methods to make decisions for us.