Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given his commitment to abolish certain provisions of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971.
Anwar described the UUCA as comprehensive legislation.
However, he said certain provisions must be removed to empower students, academicians and lecturers.
Anwar said this will include provisions limiting the freedom of lecturers.
“I met the Higher Education Minister (Mohamed) Khaled Nordin and discussed the matter.
“I can give assurance that any provisions that pressure (university) students and lecturers will be abolished," he said during the “Meet Anwar” dialogue at Youth Empowerment Forum 2023 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
He said this when responding to a question by a university student about the act, whether the government will repeal it to give tertiary students autonomy.
Earlier, Anwar asked if the audience were aware of the history of the UUCA.
He then explained in jest that the act was introduced by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad “to prevent Anwar from going to university”.
Khaled had previously said the government has no plan to abolish the UUCA.
Shortly after, a group of student organisations and Pakatan Harapan backbenchers urged the government to start engagement sessions on the act.
They also called for the minister to set a clear timeline to outline how the authority would handle matters related to UUCA.
Abolishing the UUCA was one of Harapan’s manifesto promises in the last general election.
However, the current government is a coalition that includes BN – which has been the proponent of the UUCA in the past.
Meanwhile, on questions pertaining to the government’s plans to make it compulsory for organisations in the private sector to pay interns an allowance, Anwar could not impose it on the companies.
“I can only urge them (to pay).
“Those who can pay, please pay,” he said briefly.
Asked about his opinion on the legalisation of marijuana for medical purposes, he has called for patience on the approval of the substance.
He stressed that in-depth research and discussion need to be held considering the increasing number of drug addicts among youths.
“Thousands are affected by drugs, they become addicted.
"Narcotics chief Ayob Khan (Mydin Pitchay) said there could be more serious issues if it is allowed.
"We have to look at the overall picture before making any decision. This must be reviewed together," he said.
Don’t be ‘macai’ or ‘walaun’
In other developments, the PKR president cautioned students from turning into lackeys or walaun if they do decide to step into the world of activism.
“You want to be an activist? Okay, but don’t be macai or walaun,” he said.
Walaun brings about the meaning of an individual who shows complete obedience towards their leaders, especially those who are staunch supporters of PAS. - Mkini
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