KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) described the MADANI Government’s move to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 as a step towards more comprehensive higher education reform.
AMK chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the repeal of the act would strengthen university autonomy and academic freedom, as well as uphold students’ rights to freedom of expression and association, while allowing them to determine the direction of their movement.
He said the move was an important victory in the Malaysian student movement’s decades-long struggle for freer and more democratic campuses, while respecting students as adults with the right to think and speak.
“University freedom does not mean freedom without responsibility. Instead, a truly mature university is one that can manage differences of opinion through knowledge, argument and dialogue.
“Campuses should not produce a generation that simply follows orders, but one that dares to ask questions, challenge the norm and stand up for the truth responsibly,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Kamil urged Malaysian students and youth to view the development as proof that reform requires political courage, patience and support to bring about meaningful change.
He said the MADANI Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, must continue to be given space and support to carry forward the institutional reform agenda that has long been championed.
“Reform does not end with one announcement or stop with one act. There are still many reforms that need to be initiated, and students must be among the key forces driving, pushing for and helping to ensure their success,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar announced that the Government would repeal AUKU to create greater space for democracy and freedom for the student movement, following the memorandaum and views put forward by student leaders seeking comprehensive amendments to the act.
--BERNAMA