#manifestorakyat2021
Revival of Students' Autonomy
By:
Liau Pin Chun
Affiliations:
UMANY
Policy Code:
2d Youth
Problem Statement:
Since the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) was introduced in 1971, students' autonomy has been significantly curbed. For instance, students' union is downgraded to SRC, violation of freedom of expression, assembly and academic, deprived of financial autonomy etc.
Value(s) and Belief(s):
We believe that university students are capable in self-managing our own affairs. Students should be trained to think independently and critically, instead of being controlled by authorities.
Students should also be free to express their opinions, not only regarding campus issues, but also political and national issues without intimidation.
Proposal of Solution:
1. AUKU should be abolished completely and replace it with a whole new Act. During PH era, a working group aiming to abolish AUKU was established and a Higher Education Act was drafted, and this plan should be continued.
2. Preserve academic freedom of students.
3. Initiate institutional reform.
Additional Information:
Translation
Isu dan Polisi Semasa:
Sejak Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU) diperkenalkan pada tahun 1971, autonomi mahasiswa telah dikekang secara ketara. Sebagai contoh, Kesatuan Mahasiswa telah menjadi Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar, hak kebebasan bersuara, berhimpun dan akademik tergugat, kehilangan autonomi kewangan dan sebagainya.
Nilai-nilai dan Kepercayaan:
Kami mempercayai mahasiswa universiti mempunyai kemampuan dalam mengurus hal ehwal sendiri. Mahasiswa perlu dilatih untuk berfikir secara berdikari dan kritis bukannya dikawal oleh pihak berkuasa. Mahasiswa juga harus diberi kebebasan untuk menyuarakan pendapat terhadap isu kampus, politik dan negara tanpa intimidasi.
Penyelesaian:
1. AUKU mesti dimansuhkan sepenuhnya dan digantikan dengan akta baharu. Semasa era Pakatan Harapan, sebuah kumpulan kerja untuk memansuhkan AUKU telah ditubuhkan dan Akta Pengajian Tinggi (Higher Education Act) telah dirangka. Rancangan ini perlu diteruskan, 2. Menjamin kebebasan akademik mahasiswa, dan 3. Memulakan reformasi institusi.
Informasi Tambahan: