KUALA LUMPUR: A review is being done of Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 to empower students to openly participate in politics, says Datuk Mohamad Yusof Apdal.
The Deputy Higher Education Minister told Parliament the review would also give direct autonomy on educational reform to students at higher learning institutions (IPT).
He added that the review would also relate to financial management including allowing them to participate in politics freely.
"We have completed several reviews, which took seven rounds of improvements towards Auku for IPT students.
"The review will also allow the students to be openly engaged in politics, where they can be members of a political party and even a candidate for a certain party.
"The improvements will also allow students to be given full responsibility in relation to student movements in IPTs," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) who asked the ministry to state the action taken to ensure educational reform at IPTs is being carried out in the country.
A special task force, he added, has been formed to review and conduct in-depth studies on existing higher education institution policies.
"The task force aims to provide suggestions and views on the existing policies, including its weaknesses, strengths and where it is lacking.
"Policies that are no longer relevant will be dropped and policies that are considered weak will be improved and streamlined.
"The task force committee will involve prominent figures in the education industry who can contribute holistic ideas to improve the higher education quality and performance," he said.
