Malaysian students in New Zealand

1977 seems to be a year where progressiveness replaced the conservatism which shadowed the campus politics for the past few years. The progressive forces are gaining full momentum and are emerging as consolidating unit throughout the Malaysians and Singaporean students in New Zealand. Just let us have a glance at various campuses in N.Z.

In Auckland. AMSSA has already forged ahead, consolidating her glorious aim by organising many healthy activities to promote social awareness among the Malaysian and Singaporean students. The strong support of AMSSA from the fellows students is obvious by it's turnout (about 200) in the orientation night held earlier of the year.

In Massey. MUMA (Massey University Malaysian Asso.) has a firm stand against the acceptance of a Malaysian House offered by the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington It is obvious that the High Com is trying to bribe the students intimidation and etc., are used to create disunity among students and achieve it's final goal by shutting their mouths.

During the International Student Congress (ISC). MUMA had portrayed a sketch depicted the plight of the squatters who defied eviction orders from the authorities. The sketch received much applause and encouragement from the audience for it's best educational performance which was prepared in a short time.

I strongly believe the MUMA can achieve a progressive role which serves the majority of her members.

Canterbury has the most Malaysians students in NZ. This year, it is a turning point for CMSA Because a new batch of committees were being elected who are willing to foster a progressive role for the welfare and interest of the students and also trying to promote social awareness among it's members. Recently social gatherings, and forum on current affairs had been organised in co-ordinating with It's aim.

Otago apparantly stayed dormant for the last few years. Only recently the OMSA (Otago Malaysian Student Association) was in turmoil because the OMSA president had been forced to resign for his incapability and inability in taking care of the welfare of the students. This is another strong evidence that the conservatism of this association for the past history is being rebutted by the majority of her members.

Parallel to other campuses, WMSSA in Wellington is coming alive and gathering momentum in uniting Malaysian and Singaporean students for her progressive role. Judging her recent committments, WMSSA has successfully organised social gatherings. Study groups, and more importantly is her involvement in the ISC and the cutback campaign. It's no doubt that WMSSA deserves the loudest applause for her keen work in looking after the welfare of the students.

On the contrary, WMSA seemed to be in hibernation during the first term in the campus, though MSA claimed itself to be [unclear: 'b a] sommitting several activities. From the poor turnout in the annual sport tournament in Otage, it clearly tells us that how 'concerned' the Malaysian students are for the MSA activities.

Though WMSA counteracts against ISC by boycotting the conference, it is by no means another cowardice tactic trying to split the unity among the fellow overseas students — 'Cos such a dirty trick could not stop the ISC from progressing towards a big success but once again, MSA is exposing its misconducts and incapability on taxing care of Malaysian students welfare. If MSA is going to retain its obstinacy in restoring it's conservative way, it won't be long the day will come where MSA would be swept away as a heap of garbage by the progressive forces consolidated by overseas students.

Thus from a brief overview of the Malaysian and Singaporean Students Associations in various campuses, we can see clearly that Overseas Students are Setting awakening now, and a new hope and enthusiasm is forth coming from students in all campuses in ensuring a progressive student movement.