The Attorney-General’s Chambers has begun reviewing the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), Multimedia and Communications Act and other laws deemed to restrict fundamental rights.

azlan A New Straits Times front page report quoted Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail as saying that “changes” to these laws could be brought in as early as next year.

Gani said his team has also begun reviewing the Police Act, Restrictive Residence Ordinance and Public Security Act, as their provisions may be in violation of human rights.

Berita Harian quoted Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin’s explanation as to why university students are barred from political activism under Section 15(5) of the UUCA

He reportedly said this is to prevent them from being tied directly to the ideology and regulations of political parties when their purpose of attending university is to get an education.

“From the point of view of education, the constitution allows restrictions. The purpose of tertiary institutions is to build the minds of students,” Khalid said.

Both news items are a follow-up on the success of four former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students in winning a declaration that Section 15(5) of the UUCA is unconstitutional .

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