KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) Student Representative Council (SRC) is calling for immediate amendments to the University and University College Act 1971 (UUCA) to grant students greater freedom and autonomy.
In a recent interview with New Sarawak Tribune, its president, Mohd Azhari Afirul Amiruddin, said that the amendment of the Act is crucial, considering the university’s potential to cultivate graduates who are exceptional, dynamic, and forward-thinking.
He also said his stance aligns with the principle that “A University should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning,” a quote often attributed to British statesman Benjamin Disraeli, which is essential for addressing the challenges of modernising Malaysia’s higher education system and building a developed, rational, and progressive nation.
When questioned about why the UUCA should be amended instead of abolished, the 22 year-old political science student explained that the UUCA has already undergone several amendments, and only sections 15 and 16, including Article 48 of the First Schedule, specifically pertain to student-related matters such as the SRC.
Discussing the abolition of the Act, he disagreed, saying, “We need to understand that the Act serves as an administrative guide for universities in terms of governance and the source of establishment authority for universities in Malaysia.”
During a recent youth dialogue session called “Meet Anwar” in which he attended, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim committed to repealing certain provisions in the UUCA that hinder academic freedom. The elimination of section 15(2)(c) aims to remove barriers for university students.
“We trust that university students are mature, independent, and responsible individuals who can act within the country’s democratic framework and abide by the law, especially given their power to elect future national leaders through general elections,” he added.
As the president, Mohd Azhari currently attends Senate meetings for a one-year, where he can offer views, ideas, and recommendations on any discussed matters.
Additionally, the council is responsible for managing high-impact University programs, such as the proposed “Young Leadership Program” under the leadership initiative.
The council has also outlined four Student Empowerment Agendas (SEA) to be implemented. The first agenda entails the complete election of the SRC by students. The second agenda allows students autonomy in planning and executing activities.
The third agenda proposes that the university allocate grants to the SRC, which will then plan and distribute funds to student bodies and organisations for student activities. The fourth and final agenda concentrates on student empowerment and establishes procedures for students to engage politically both on and off-campus, in alignment with the implementation of UNDI 18.
The bill proposing amendments to Sections 15 and 16 of the Act, aimed at granting students more freedom, is anticipated to be presented in Parliament this year.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the draft will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for approval in mid-June.
These sections specifically pertain to students, while the remaining sections address the minister’s powers and the general administration of universities, including the management of universities’ financial affairs.
The ministry acknowledged students’ concerns regarding their limited freedom to conduct campus activities, as they are required to consult with and obtain approval from the university, as well as face financial constraints when organising events.
