The Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023, which received unanimous approval from the Dewan Rakyat, is poised to advance to the next legislative stage in the Dewan Negara next month.
Following Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir's presentation of the bill, it was endorsed after undergoing the second and third readings in the Dewan Rakyat. The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) highlighted that this bill signifies a significant milestone in the journey to enhance student empowerment, as it marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), aiming to uplift the stature of public university students.
According to a statement released by the MoHE today, this amendment reflects a culmination of extensive consultations conducted by the ministry with student leaders since 2021, culminating in a comprehensive reform to foster a more dynamic organizational culture and invigorate the student movement, aligning with their evolving capabilities for self-governance and maturity.
The Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023 entails revisions to six key provisions within the act, primarily aimed at enhancing governance and streamlining student disciplinary measures.
Notably, the amended Section 15A grants student representative councils and student bodies the authority to solicit funds and receive contributions through various means, subject to existing regulations and legislation.
Furthermore, Section 16B introduces a significant shift by transferring disciplinary jurisdiction from the vice-chancellor to the student disciplinary committee, thereby aligning with the prevailing practices observed in public universities.
This legislative overhaul underscores the government's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for student development while ensuring robust governance structures within higher education institutions.
In essence, the Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the government and student stakeholders, signaling a progressive stride towards enhancing the educational landscape and promoting student autonomy and responsibility.
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