As new law on campus politics takes shape, minister sorts students into two camps — ‘Agree’ and ‘Disagree’

Kuala Lumpur, September 12 — The Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, disclosed that discussions are underway with various parties to draft a new law that will replace the existing Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA). Zambry mentioned that several meetings have been held with representatives of the academic community and university administrators, while discussions with other groups, such as students, will continue over the following days.

The Minister emphasized that he has already met with Student Representative Councils and instructed the National Student Representative Council, which represents students from all universities, to form their own groups representing those who agree and disagree. Zambry explained that this approach aims to gather all perspectives and consider them when creating the new law, as he desires it to be comprehensive.

He stressed that the new law should not only address the current needs of higher education institutions but also anticipate future challenges. The UUCA, introduced in 1971, has been a comprehensive legal framework covering aspects of universities, such as their establishment and administration, as well as matters concerning students.

Given the changes in the higher education landscape and the need to update the current legal framework, Zambry believes that these factors must be taken into account during the drafting process.

In August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government intends to repeal the UUCA entirely, with a bill on the subject to be introduced in Parliament this year. Anwar stated that the proposal to repeal the Act aims to provide greater freedom and democratic space to student movements in the country, after considering memoranda and views from student leaders who seek comprehensive changes to the Act.