Umany: Understanding its history, evolution and what makes it tick

KINIGUIDE | The spotlight landed on Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) when it published a statement that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not interfere in national affairs.

The association argued that the monarch should exercise his powers within the framework of the Federal Constitution.

This led to a deluge of police reports against the students' group. It was accused, among others, of being “communist” and an “offshoot of DAP”.

Umany, which has since retracted the statement and apologised, is being probed under the Sedition Act as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Its former president would be charged in court today under Section 188 of the Penal Code, which relates to "disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant".

He was arrested on Nov 7 for using his mobile phone to record police officers raiding the home of his successor.

This instalment of KiniGuide looks into the birth and evolution of the association, which has grabbed headlines in recent weeks...