KUALA LUMPUR: Student associations are now allowed to have their own bank accounts to receive donations directly, as the Higher Education Ministry prepares to amend several provisions of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic) said the proposed amendments would address existing restrictions that continue to affect students, particularly when organising activities and programmes.
"We are placing emphasis on matters that continue to pose obstacles to students in organising their programmes," he said when winding up the Budget 2027 debates at the committee stage in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 11).
He said student associations no longer needed to rely on the bank accounts of other associations to manage their finances.
"They can now open their own accounts and anyone who wishes to provide assistance or contributions can transfer funds directly to those accounts," he said.
He acknowledged that some associations might need time to complete the process but stressed that there were no longer any restrictions.
Zambry said the ministry also continues to provide scholarships and financial assistance to eligible students, including those from the B40 group.
"A total of 26,934 B40 students received ministry sponsorship as of Oct 15, 2026," he said.
Through the Higher Education Early Assistance programme and Yayasan Pendidikan Siswa, RM439,000 had also been channelled to students in need.
On accommodation, Zambry said the ministry was using various approaches, including public-private partnerships (PPP) and private finance initiatives to speed up construction and upgrades of student residences.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, five new residential colleges at public universities had been developed through PPP arrangements, providing accommodation for up to 21,000 students.
On values in higher education, he said the Education Policy 2026-2035 emphasised a humanity-centred approach, focusing on moral values and responsibility.
He said students should be given opportunities to express their views and develop leadership skills, but their arguments should be grounded in facts and responsibility.
"The process of developing leadership must also be based on facts, responsibility and proper conduct," he said.
