Govt to repeal UUCA, widen democratic space for students, says PM

The government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971 to provide greater freedom and wider democratic space for students in the country, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the proposal to repeal the Act would be presented to the cabinet next Wednesday.

He said the decision was made following a memorandum and feedback from student leaders calling for comprehensive changes to the Act.

Anwar said that although several previous amendments to UUCA had given students more opportunities to participate actively, the scope of their freedom needed to be further expanded in line with the country’s education reform agenda.

“Students feel they should be given more freedom. We have given them more freedom through several amendments to UUCA, but some are still not satisfied. They submitted a memorandum, so today I want to announce that we will repeal UUCA,” he said.

He said this when delivering his policy speech at the PKR National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh today.

Also present were PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairperson Hajiji Noor.

Anwar said the repeal of UUCA was among the education reforms that the government would continue to pursue as the country’s political, security and economic stability strengthened under his administration.

“Now, I will push ahead more firmly with the reform agenda and (address) several matters that have been delayed, including the education reforms being undertaken, enrolment at the early (education) level, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem), in a more orderly manner,” he said.

Anwar also said the government would ensure equitable access to preschool education, particularly for children in rural and interior areas.

“We do not want preschool education to be only for the urban elite and second-class for children in rural and interior areas. Therefore, this is the responsibility of the Education Ministry,” he said.

- Bernama

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