STUDENTS IN ILLEGAL ISA RALLY LET OFF WITH WARNING

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Twenty-nine students who participated in
the Anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) protest organised by the Abolish ISA
Movement on Aug 1, have been let off with a warning.

Should they be repeat offenders, suspension is imminent, Deputy Education
Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said Saturday.

Besides the stern warning, he said they would also be given counselling at
their respective schools.

He said initial investigations revealed that some of the schoolchildren were
used by members of opposition parties to take part in the rally by providing
buses to ferry them to the location, as well as cash incentives.

"We don't want them (pupils) to be affected by negative influences because
some of them, when questioned, admitted they were paid (for their
participation).

"Children like it when they get cash payments," Dr Mohd Puad told reporters
after launching the Malaysian Historical Society's 54th council meeting here
Saturday.

About 5,000 supporters of the movement, including opposition leaders, took
part in the illegal rally for the abolishment of the ISA.

Among others, the rally had forced various business premises to be closed to
avoid untoward incidents.
-- BERNAMA