KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Negara has passed the amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.
The amendments aim to empower students and encourage student movements.
The bill received the senate's majority support through a voice vote called by Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
Eighteen senators took part in the debate after the bill was tabled for a second reading by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Zambry said the bill would empower student associations to manage their finances, which the act previously did not allow.
"The ministry is undertaking a student empowerment agenda to provide more space to students to manage their activities and associations.
"Students want to manage their associations' finances independently, but there were sections in the act that did not allow for this.
"Through this bill, the aspirations of our students can be realised."
He said the ministry believed students were ready to shoulder greater responsibilities and would give them more freedom to carry out association activities and manage student activity finances.
"This is in line with the Malaysia Madani vision to shape the country's future with every available opportunity by taking into consideration all forms of change that can transform the world and lead Malaysia into a new era."
The bill involves amendments to several sections under the act, including Section 15A and Section 16B. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1027350/amendments-auku-get-d...)
After the amendment, Section 15A will allow student representative councils or any student body to make, organise or take part in any collection of money or receive money or any other contributions from any person or body of persons, subject to any written law.
The amended Section 16B will see the transfer of the authority of the vice-chancellor to the student disciplinary committee established by the board to handle disciplinary cases.
The Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 provides for the establishment, maintenance and administration of universities and university colleges and other matters connected to it.
Since its enactment, the act has seen seven amendments, with the most recent in 2019.