VIEWS ON STUDENT POLITICAL FREEDOM POST-UUCA AMENDMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF UNDI18: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHERN MALAYSIA

Abstract

In the 65 years since gaining independence, Malaysia’s political landscape has seen significant growth in student activism, particularly in terms of student political freedom in public universities. The 1960s and 1970s were regarded as the golden age of student movements in Malaysia, marking the peak of student political freedom. However, the enactment of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) suppressed all political activities by students. Recently, two important developments took place, namely the amendment of UUCA in 2019, which has allowed students to engage in political activities inside and outside the campus, and the implementation of Undi18, which has rekindled students’ political freedom. This study examines the views and understanding of the informants regarding the concept and practice of student political freedom. This study also highlights the existing values associated with student political freedom. The research design employed in this article is qualitative and conducted through a case study. We interviewed 15 informants from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The concept of student political freedom was perceived as encompassing freedom of speech, freedom of associations, and the right to vote. Current practices of student political freedom include the use of social media platforms, political participation, and the formation of associations. In terms of student political freedom, the informants emphasised values of social responsibility, integrity, and intellectualism. In essence, this study presents findings on the current political scene in public universities post-UUC amendment and the passing of Undi18 bill, which purportedly create a more conducive democratic space for student political freedom.