PAKATAN Harapan will amend the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) instead of repealing it as promised earlier in its manifesto ahead of the 14th general election.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the cabinet had agreed to amend Section 15(2)(C) of the act, which would allow student participation in political activities.

“The cabinet agreed on the amendments on Section 15(2)(C), which prevents students from getting involved in political activities and from joining any political associations,” he told reporters during a press conference after the International Islamic University Malaysia convocation.

However, Maszlee said that it will depend on individual universities to permit the formation of political parties in campuses.

“That is a suggestion, but we are not asking them (to form parties). There is the freedom to do it.

“It all depends on the university’s senate. They have the autonomy. If the senate decides it is inappropriate, it is inappropriate,” he said.

The Bersatu lawmaker said the amendments to Auku will be tabled in Parliament in this session at the end of the debates on the budget.

“These amendments will be brought to Parliament after the budget. We want to amend this law in line with the government lowering the voting age,” Maszlee said referring to Putrajaya’s intention of lowering the voting age to 18.

Separately, Maszlee also said handouts of book vouchers would be continued as per demands from students, after it was discontinued in the recent budget announcement.

“I have consistently asked the prime minister to continue with the book vouchers. The cabinet agreed. The finance minister also agreed and told me that he would discuss it further with me. Book vouchers should not be sidelined,” he said.

Before assuming federal power, PH vowed in its election manifesto to repeal Auku altogether.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also said the act should be rescinded as Malaysians are now mature people. – November 10, 2018.