PUTRAJAYA does not intend to abolish the Student Affairs Department in public universities because it plays a crucial role, especially in student development. 

Deputy Higher Education Minister Mohammad Yusof Apdal said although students manage all the department’s activities and movements, it still has a big mandate and responsibility. 

“The department’s real duty is not to micromanage, but, among others, to focus on student development, open a network of cooperation with society and industries, and plan strategies to increase graduate marketability,” he said. 

He said this when replying to a supplementary motion raised by Chow Yu Hui (Raub-PH) at the special chamber session in Dewan Rakyat today. Cho wanted the department abolished to give students more autonomy.

Yusof said the world’s leading universities retain their student affairs bodies even if students have complete freedom. – Bernama, March 13, 2023.