Gov't to abolish UUCA in five years, says Teo

PARLIAMENT | The Pakatan Harapan government has set a five-year deadline to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) as stipulated in its election manifesto, according to Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She explained that the ministry needed more time to abolish the act and replace it with a new law, as time was needed to study and consult with all stakeholders.

"The minister targets to implement the manifesto in five years, we need more time for consultation," she told the Dewan Rakyat during a question-and-answer session today.

The ministry has appointed a committee of 12 members from various backgrounds to study the UUCA and consult stakeholders, she said.

As a short-term measure, she said, the ministry will repeal the provision which bars students from politicking in the varsities.

"After that, politicians from Harapan and BN can enter campuses without any hindrance, for the purpose of sharing views and for intellectual purposes, not on political issues," she said.

Meanwhile, she also confirmed that Education Minister Maszlee Malik had met the vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors of the public universities.

This came after Idris Jusoh (BN-Besut) asked if Maszlee had met and threatened the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellors to support the Harapan government.

Teo, however, said she did not attend the meeting.

Idris also questioned the need to remove directors of public universities.

Teo responded : "During BN's era, of course there were political appointments. Now, entering a new era and we have a new Malaysia, we want to have new leadership with fresh ideas, what's wrong with that?"

[More to follow] - Mkini