Anwar: UUCA repeal proposal goes to Cabinet next week

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 — The PKR Youth wing has expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA). However, the youth group believes the repeal should be the catalyst for broader reforms aimed at enhancing university autonomy, academic freedom, and student rights.

PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim emphasized the importance of students continuing to speak up and act as a check on the government, despite being part of Anwar's party. Kamil urged students not to cease their critical role in monitoring and pressuring the administration of the country. The repeal of UUCA, introduced in 1971 and amended seven times since, should pave the way for stronger university autonomy, academic freedom, freedom of association, and freedom of expression.

Kamil stressed that university freedom should not be equated with a lack of responsibility, but should empower campuses to manage disagreements through knowledge, argument, and dialogue. The PKR Youth described Anwar's decision as a significant milestone in the long-standing fight for more democratic campuses in Malaysia. Kamil emphasized that the government's move recognized students should not be molded by a culture of fear and excessive control, but should be trusted to think, debate, disagree, criticize, and offer solutions for the country.

He added that students and young Malaysians should view the development as proof that reform demands political courage, patience, and sustained support to transform announcements into tangible change. The PKR Youth’s call for students to remain a check on the government is particularly noteworthy, as the youth wing is part of Anwar's own party.

Kamil stressed that reform is an ongoing process and further changes are needed in higher education and other institutions. He called on Malaysian students to continue expressing their views, thinking critically, and holding institutions accountable.