Student autonomy must come with checks and balances, says VC
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia vice-chancellor Mas Fawzi Ali has called for robust checks and balances to accompany the planned repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku). He argues that increased student autonomy must be balanced with accountability, ethics, and factual criticism to prevent the politicization of campuses.
Why it matters
This reflects a broader national debate in Malaysia regarding academic freedom and the role of student activism in public universities.
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia vice-chancellor Mas Fawzi Ali said students must dare to speak with knowledge and criticise based on facts, while understanding trust and accountability. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The vice-chancellor of a public university has called for the planned abolishment of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) to be followed by strong checks and balances to prevent the negative use of student autonomy.
Acknowledging the importance of student autonomy and campus democracy, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia vice-chancellor Mas Fawzi Ali said students will need a higher level of responsibility as they are given greater autonomy.
In a statement, he said there was a risk of freedoms being abused, varsity campuses being politicised and external influence affecting academic harmony.
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