PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is against plans to allow political parties to set up branches in public universities, reports The Star.

“No, students are free to talk but tak payah lah bagi (there is no need to allow it),” he said on the proposed amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971.

Dr Mahathir said this at the 2018 Conferment of Fellowship of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia yesterday.

Education Minister Maslee Malik was reported on Wednesday to have made the proposal to allow political parties to set up branches in public universities.

The move was in line with the new voting age of 18, which was previously proposed by the government, he added.

“With the amendment, political parties can form clubs in public universities like Students Barisan Nasional Club, or Pakatan Harapan Club as what other countries are doing.

“Students are free to be political and can offer themselves to be candidates,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir also said Malaysia will be left behind if it fails to use science, technology and Innovation to help the economy grow.

He said several developing countries are already making efforts to employ the latest innovations in their industries and enterprises.

Dr Mahathir added that even traditional sectors such as agriculture and commodities can benefit from the latest innovations with mechanisation and automation.

He also said following the recent launch of the National Policy on Industry 4.0, the third national car project will be a good start to implement some of the strategies recommended in the policy. – November 2, 2018.