A broad coalition of 53 civil society groups, political parties and student groups has been formed to pursue abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA).

Known as Gerakan Mansuhkan AUKU (GMA), it issued a nine-page statement containing three main demands, starting with action by the Higher Education Ministry to repeal the UUCA and its subsidiary regulations.

It said any move to introduce new legislation for tertiary institutions should incorporate input based on five principles - the freedoms of speech, association and assembly, as well as academic freedom and autonomy for universities.

The third demand was for wider latitude for students and academic staff to express their idealism through involvement in societies, whether on or off campus.

GMA chairperson Ahmad Zubair Abdul Rahim told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall that the statement would be faxed to the ministry within the week.

He said the coalition was willing to assist the ministry with the proposed amendments to the UUCA, which currently bans students and academicians from expressing their political views and participating in political parties and trades union without prior written permission.

Reveal proposed amendments

Ahmad Zubair also called for the proposed amendments to be made public ahead of the bill being tabled in Parliament.

In this respect, GMA will organise a campaign outside Parliament House during the current sitting, to convey its views.

"We predict that the amendments will be debated in November, following debate on Budget 2007," he said, but added that the coalition's plans would be tailored to events.

Ahmad Zubair also said the GMA is trying to obtain endorsement from the Youth wings of Barisan Nasional component parties to abolish the UUCA.

"We are still waiting for their reply," he added.

The ministry had earlier revealed that there would be no change to the ban on political activity, but that students would be allowed to join off-campus associations or non-governmental organisations.