UUCA repeal gives students freedom to speak, fosters critical thinking: PM

 

The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) is to give students greater freedom to express themselves while fostering creativity and critical thinking, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He also said students should be encouraged to voice their views and debate issues openly, while recognising that their opinions may not always be right.

“In 1971, the government imposed restrictions on students’ freedom. But I say, they are already 18 and can vote, so why restrict them?

“Why did I announce the complete abolition of the UUCA… to give our young people the space to speak freely, because I want them to develop creativity, judgement, and critical thinking,” he said.

Anwar was responding to a question from a student interested in entering politics during a Temu Anwar session held in conjunction with the Sahabat Madani Ambang Merdeka programme at the Tuanku Bainun Institute of Teacher Education campus today.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was also present.

Elaborating, Anwar said the decision to repeal UUCA was intended to ensure university students were no longer constrained and had room to develop mature and independent thinking.

He said freedom of expression was crucial in nurturing knowledgeable future leaders capable of making judgements based on facts rather than sentiment.

Political leaders, in particular, should educate the public based on facts and knowledge instead of exploiting racial sentiment, he added.

Principled politics

Anwar said young people pursuing a political career must have the “courage of conviction” to stand by principles grounded in knowledge and belief.

He said politics could be an honourable profession when treated as a responsibility to serve society, but could become corrupt when used for personal gain.

“It is an honourable profession if you make it honourable. It’s a dirty, corrupt profession if you tend to be influenced by those who are blatantly corrupt.

“So, if you are talking about your society, your community, your nation, make sure that you enter politics and work because you love this country and you believe in the future of this country,” he said.

- Bernama