Student autonomy must come with checks and balances, says VC

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia's vice-chancellor, Mas Fawzi Ali, has emphasized that student autonomy must be accompanied by checks and balances to prevent potential misuse. Acknowledging the importance of student autonomy and campus democracy, Fawzi stated that students must assume a higher level of responsibility when granted greater autonomy. He warned that there is a risk of freedoms being abused, campuses being politicized, and external influences affecting academic harmony.

Fawzi highlighted the need for students to possess a deeper understanding of ethics, integrity, relevant laws, and the consequences of their actions. He emphasized that granting students the freedom to speak out and voice criticism is crucial in cultivating graduates who can think critically and maturely. This process is integral to their education, as they learn leadership, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making skills.

However, Fawzi stressed that freedom must come with responsibility. Students must be willing to speak with knowledge and criticise based on facts, while also understanding trust and accountability. The vice-chancellor noted that repealing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) must be accompanied by a comprehensive and harmonious legal framework for higher education, clearly outlining university autonomy, governance, academic freedom, student rights, and accountability measures.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, announced the repeal of Auku during the PKR national congress, stating that the new legislation would not restrict students' freedom. While the higher education ministry has not ruled out the complete abolition of Auku, student groups and the DAP Youth continue to push for its repeal.

Fawzi advocated for the reform of Auku as a holistic process rather than merely the repeal of a law, stressing the importance of building a more mature, trustworthy, and responsible higher education ecosystem.