It is a high time for the government to amend the 'repressive' Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), two government backbenchers told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Debating the Budget 2006, Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Itam) called for a wide-ranging review of the Act to restore students' right to association and academic freedom.

According to him, the Higher Education Ministry in a written reply in Parliament, had proposed the UUCA be amended.

"It is timely for the ministry to make an announcement, especially to amend Sections 15 and 16 of the Act which severely restricts student's rights," Wee, a former student leader said.

He said the UUCA was amended and tightened in the '70s to combat communist elements in campuses but the government should make the relevant changes now in view of the prevailing situation.

"If the government is serious about youth development, let's start with the local universities. We should give freedom to university students, not have blanket restrictions on them," he stressed.

At this juncture, Abdul Rahim Bakri (BN-Kudat) interjected and said: "Do you (Wee) agree with me that university students are lacking in analytical thinking because of the UUCA?"

His question prompted loud applause and vigorous table-thumping form both backbenchers and opposition MPs.

"We want the government to amend the UUCA because we want capable leaders not only in the campuses but also for the society in future," said Abdul Rahim, who is also a former student activist.

Follow procedures

Agreeing with the Kudat MP, Wee urged the ministry to review Section 16 of the UUCA which he said gave "excessive and absolute power" to vice-chancellors.

He also noted that undesirable clauses under the Act which presumed students guilty in disciplinary cases and required them to defend themselves.

"This is not in accordance with the spirit of the law. We should follow procedures as in the courts and restore the principle of innocent until proven guilty," he said.

Student activists have long campaigned for the abolishment of the UUCA, which they said is a violation of their fundamental rights under the Federal Constitutions. The government maintains the act does not suppress students and its provisions are still relevant.

The UUCA prohibits students and lecturers from, among others, holding gatherings comprising more than five people; participating in activities outside campus; engaging in part-time work; joining associations or political parties and making media statements without the vice-chancellor's written permission.