Varsity students must make full use of Auku repeal, says Zahid

 The Umno president says the party will also fortify the Overseas Umno Club and Siswa Umno once the repeal passes.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said youth voices were important to help the leadership understand issues faced by students, as well as their views on the country’s political future. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

University students should make full use of the greater room for expression that the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) would create, says Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said previous restrictions on students’ involvement in politics had limited their movement both locally and abroad, but the developments surrounding Auku would provide greater space for active youth participation.

“Once there are no domestic restrictions for students to mobilise within Umno, we will fortify the Overseas Umno Club and Siswa Umno,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying at a get-together with delegates from the Overseas Umno Club and Siswa Umno.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said youth voices were important to help the leadership understand issues faced by students and their views on the country’s political future.

On Aug 20, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the bill to repeal Auku is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this year.

He also directed that any disciplinary action taken against students solely for voicing criticisms or academic views be retracted immediately. - FMT