MELAKA: The new law to replace the now-repealed Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) will not affect students’ freedom of expression, assures Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Cabinet had agreed that the proposed legislation would be limited to matters concerning university administration, including academic affairs, governance and the appointment of senate members.
“The new legislation, which will carry a different name, will no longer include the seven provisions concerning students under Auku, including those restricting their freedom to engage in activities,” he said.
He was asked about the latest developments in the proposed legislation to replace Auku after attending the Apa Khabar Mahasiswa: Patriotisme Diperkasa programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Alor Gajah campus yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid said the new law would also cover the selection of university management personnel, including vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors.
He said universities should not penalise students for expressing their opinions unless their remarks involved sensitive issues relating to race, religion and the royal institution (3R).
“Under Auku, universities did take action against students. Now that the Act has been repealed, students remain subject to existing laws, including criminal legislation.
“... if students are simply expressing differing opinions, political beliefs or the views of young people, I believe universities should welcome this rather than take legal action against them, unless their actions breach the law,” he said.
In a separate development, Ahmad Zahid said UiTM’s Department of Quantum Technology would begin taking in students next semester under a training-for-trainers concept.
“Initially, academic staff will be sent for master’s or PhD studies, or short courses, to equip those with backgrounds in information technology and digital technology to lead the department before it is upgraded to the Faculty of Quantum Technology,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid announced earlier in October that RM500,000 would be allocated as initial funding to establish UiTM’s Department of Quantum Technology.
Meanwhile, at another event at Dewan Hang Lekir in Tanjung Kling, he said a latex collection system that works even during heavy rain would be introduced in Peninsular Malaysia next year.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the system would help rubber smallholders earn an income during the monsoon season.
He said a channel fitted to the trunk of a rubber tree allows latex to flow directly into a covered cup without the need for conventional tapping.
“Even during the rainy season, when smallholders cannot go out to tap their trees, the latex will continue to flow. This will allow them to keep earning an income,” he said.
He said the technology had undergone 15 years of research.
Ahmad Zahid added that the government was also stepping up efforts to increase domestic latex production and reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imports, which cost about RM7bil a year.
