Case of the AUKU
MALAYSIA: Repressive university act under review
Yojana Sharma 16 October 2011 Issue No:193
4
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Hopes that a draconian law that restricts political activity on university campuses in Malaysia might be scrapped have risen dramatically in recent weeks, with government ministers publicly calling for change. But academics say it will only be a partial opening up, with lecturers and university staff still subject to controls.
The 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) makes it an offence for students to express "support, sympathy or opposition" for a political party whether Malaysian or foreign.
It also effectively allows government interference in the general operation of universities, ostensibly to enforce the act, which includes under its remit a prohibition on students joining any organisation deemed by the higher education ministry to be 'unsuitable' for student involvement.
Malaysia's Deputy Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has been the most notable member of the government to back a change in favour of students.
Abdullah said in late September that the priority was to repeal a section of the act prohibiting students from becoming involved in politics.
"Abolishing section 15 of AUKU not only respects the constitutional right of the students but it will also increase democratic participation among youth," he told local newspapers.
Change in government attitude
Academics have noted a change in the government's attitude.
"There will be some changes. The higher education ministry is doing a review but if there are changes it will only be after the general election which will be in the middle of next year," political science Professor James Chin, head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, told University World News.
It will not make a huge difference for students who have long been involved in political
Yojana Sharma 16 October 2011 Issue No:193
4
Join us on
Follow us on
News Feeds
Global Edition
Africa Edition
Hopes that a draconian law that restricts political activity on university campuses in Malaysia might be scrapped have risen dramatically in recent weeks, with government ministers publicly calling for change. But academics say it will only be a partial opening up, with lecturers and university staff still subject to controls.
The 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) makes it an offence for students to express "support, sympathy or opposition" for a political party whether Malaysian or foreign.
It also effectively allows government interference in the general operation of universities, ostensibly to enforce the act, which includes under its remit a prohibition on students joining any organisation deemed by the higher education ministry to be 'unsuitable' for student involvement.
Malaysia's Deputy Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has been the most notable member of the government to back a change in favour of students.
Abdullah said in late September that the priority was to repeal a section of the act prohibiting students from becoming involved in politics.
"Abolishing section 15 of AUKU not only respects the constitutional right of the students but it will also increase democratic participation among youth," he told local newspapers.
Change in government attitude
Academics have noted a change in the government's attitude.
"There will be some changes. The higher education ministry is doing a review but if there are changes it will only be after the general election which will be in the middle of next year," political science Professor James Chin, head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, told University World News.
It will not make a huge difference for students who have long been involved in political