Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin has confirmed that planned amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) are likely to be tabled in parliament for debate in August.

On May 15, the minister announced to parliament that his ministry was going to present proposals to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for a review of the UUCA which currently restricts the participation of university students in political activism.

Students and human rights groups have demanded for the repeal of the UUCA for years, labeling it a ‘draconian law’ for prohibiting students from being active in politics.

khalid nordin pc 030608 02 Prior to this, the government has maintained that the act was necessary keep students focused on their education rather than on politics.

The proposed changes, however, are unlikely to be debated at the next parliament session starting June 23 as the AG’s chambers is still reviewing them.

"Nevertheless, it will be brought to debate this year, probably by August," said Khaled ( photo, right ) who was speaking at a press conference after presenting scholarship awards by the Taylor’s University College to its students in Kuala Lumpur.

Free expression

The minister added the suggested amendments to the UUCA would also cover the act’s limitations on board of directors of educational institutions and on public universities’ senate members, chancellors and deans.

"The amendments will provide students with a conducive and progressive learning environment. It will contribute to the students’ successes and achievements," he said when asked about limitations in the amended UUCA draft.

The minister explained that with the free flow of information due to information technology advances, nothing could stop the people from expressing themselves freely.

"Most importantly, we have not taken any steps through the law to stop them from doing so," he added.

Earlier, Khaled officiated at the scholarship awarding ceremony which saw 19 Taylor’s University College students receiving full grants amounting to a total of RM2 million for the completion of their degree programmes at the college.