Khaled: Restrictions under Act will be removed

PETALING JAYA: All sections restricting the freedom of students and academicians, including lecturers, under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) will be abolished, says the Higher Education Minister.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said he was fully in agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that these restrictions be removed.

“We are studying the clauses that restrict the freedom of students and academicians as stated by the Prime Minister on March 18.

“This is very much in line with the ministry’s aspirations.

“Other laws that are in tandem with the UUCA, which might need to be amended, will also be studied at the same time to ensure that it is a wholesome process in one go and we do not end up making amendments at many different times,” Mohamed Khaled said when contacted.

On March 17, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said there were no plans to completely abolish the UUCA because it was still relevant.

“In short, the UUCA is an important, relevant and well-functioning Act. Any weaknesses can be improved through amendments,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

A special task force has also been formed to review and conduct in-depth studies into existing higher education institution policies.

Mohammad Yusof said policies that were no longer relevant would be dropped and those that were considered weak would be improved.