MELAKA, Nov 3 — The new Bill to replace the now-repealed Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) will not affect students’ freedom of expression, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said the Cabinet agreed that the proposed legislation would be limited to matters concerning university administration, including academic affairs, governance and the appointment of senate members,

Ahmad Zahid also said that the new law would also cover the selection of university management personnel, including vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors.

“The new legislation, which will carry a different name, will no longer include the seven provisions concerning students, including those on freedom, under AUKU, which restricted their freedom to engage in activities,” he said.

He was asked about the latest developments in the proposal for a new law to replace AUKU after attending the Apa Khabar Mahasiswa: Patriotisme Diperkasa programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Alor Gajah Campus in Melaka today.

Also present at the event was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

Ahmad Zahid, also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said universities should not penalise students for expressing their opinions unless their remarks involved sensitive issues relating to race, religion and the royal institution (3R).

“Under AUKU, universities did take action against students. Now that the Act has been repealed, students remain subject to existing laws, including criminal legislation.

“...if students are simply expressing differing opinions, political beliefs or the views of young people, I believe universities should welcome this rather than take legal action against them, unless their actions breach the law,” he said.

In a separate development, Ahmad Zahid said enrolment for the Department of Quantum Technology at UiTM was expected to begin next semester under a training-for-trainers concept.

“Initially, the academic staff will be sent for master’s or PhD studies, or short courses, to equip those with backgrounds in information technology and digital technology to lead the department before it is upgraded to the Faculty of Quantum Technology,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid announced earlier in October that RM500,000 would be allocated as initial funding to establish UiTM’s Department of Quantum Technology. — Bernama