Student power: seeking to be hea

EVER since it was passed in Parliament in 1971, the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) has been an issue among student communities and academics at public universities here.

Enacted to provide for the establishment, maintenance and administration of universities and university colleges, and for other matters connected with them, the Act is viewed by a good portion of the student community on and off campus as prohibitive of the spirit of democracy, freedom and justice, despite five amendments from 1975 to 2012.

Suara Siswa, a coalition of student groups at University of Malaya (UM) comprising UM Association of New Youth, Demokrat UM and Angkatan Mahasiswa UM, views UUCA as restricting undergraduates from exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as well as stifling universities’ growth with political interference.

While the call for the abolition of UUCA has been resounding over the years, the change of government following the 14th General Election can make it a reality as it was listed as one of the education reforms in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.

The coalition’s mission is first, to uphold democratic values and fundamental human rights in the university; second, to uphold academic freedom in the university; and third, to raise awareness of UUCA among students and the public.

Suara Siswa activist Wong Yan Ke, 22, a fourth-year engineering student at UM, said: “The Education Ministry has recently indicated that the Pakatan Harapan government will look into the abolishment of the Act within a five-year term.

“We believe its abolition is urgent and should be given due attention.”

In addition to the restoration of student and university autonomy to achieve the noble and fundamental purpose of the institution, Suara Siswa champions political and civil rights in the country.

Fellow activist Isaiah Majahim Majinbon, a final-year law student, said: “We want to increase the participation of Malaysians and raise their awareness of political rights. The best place to start is on campus.”

Students can be a force in ensuring check and balance in the country. Empowered with education, we can contribute to the nation.

Nur ImaN Najaa SaIfoldIN