Dewan Rakyat passes amendments to varsities Act

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed proposed amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) that empowers university students in managing their associations' activities and finances.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir tabled the Bill for third reading on Monday (March 18), after which it was unanimously approved through a voice vote.

Earlier, he delivered the winding-up speech on the Bill after 23 MPs debated on it.

In his speech, Zambry acknowledged the call by Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) who referred to the ministerial-level committee formed in 2018 to put forth input for a new Act replacing the UUCA.

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"I have asked for the reports from the committee, which consisted of ministers and legal experts, for us to study," he said.

The Lower House resumed the debate session for the Bill in the afternoon before Zambry presented his winding-up speech.

When tabling the proposed amendments, Zambry said that the UUCA had gone through seven amendments since its enactment and was one of the most comprehensive laws in Malaysia's history.

"The latest amendment was in 2019. The amendments covered various (matters) from improvements in governance to student activities and discipline.

"Although there are still many views and opinions, including suggestions to abolish it and replace it with a new Act, not many fully understand the true aspirations behind the continuous improvements, especially regarding student affairs," he said.

Zambry said the 2019 amendment was a positive development in granting students greater freedom to participate in political activities on and off campus.

He added that this encouraged the students to ask for more space and opportunities, especially in managing their activities and finances.

"Based on the Madani concept, the ministry believes that students are now ready to shoulder greater responsibilities by granting them more freedom to carry out association activities and manage student activity finances," he said.

The amendments in the Bill addressed several sections of the UUCA.

The amended Section 15A allows student representative councils and student bodies to collect funds and receive contributions in any manner, subject to prevailing written regulations and laws.

Section 16B transfers disciplinary authority from the vice-chancellor to the student disciplinary committee to reflect the current practice in public universities.

Section 48(4) extends the term of office for student council members from one year to "one academic year" in consideration of extraordinary situations like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Section 48(11) allows the university to establish any fund or own any assets to be managed and maintained by the student representative council according to a university's financial procedures, enabling the council to open and manage accounts with any authorised financial institution.

Finally, Section 49(2) allows the student body of a university to receive the same facilities as the student representative council.

Zambry noted that the implementation of the amendments would be carried out in phases.

He added that the amended laws would make the student empowerment agenda successful, marking a historic moment as the UUCA is once again amended to elevate the dignity of university students.