Malaysia - Act to be amended to allow those above 21 to join politics

KUALA LUMPUR - Students aged 21 and above will be allowed to be members of political parties under planned amendments to Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, however, stressed that politics would not be allowed in campus.

"We believe in the maturity and wisdom of our students," he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, adding that the move was to respect "their constitutional rights as students who have reached the age of maturity".

Najib was tabling a motion to lift three emergency proclamations that would see the removal of emergency powers of the police that had been in place for over 40 years.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the proposed amendment reflected the Prime Minister's political will and courage.

"This is a breakthrough and in line with the struggles of Barisan Nasional Youth," he said, adding that students should accept with an open heart the "long-awaited" decision.

He said it was only fair that youngsters who were eligible to vote be allowed to join political parties.

Asked on the Government's decision to appeal against the Court of Appeal's ruling in favour of four former UKM students who had sought a declaration that the Universities and University Colleges Act was unconstitutional, Dr Wee said it was based on "technical grounds".

"The bigger picture is the amendment of the Act."

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the move was in recognition of students' right to freedom of expression.

He told reporters at Parliament lobby that the Act was first amended in February 2009, "but this time it will be more comprehensive".

The Star/Asia News Network

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