The Umno Youth today called on the government to repeal Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges
Act 1971 which prohibits students from any activities that can be construed as expressing support, sympathy or opposition to any political parties.
Its leader, Khairy Jamaluddin, said the request was made following a survey conducted by the movement among university students last year.
“We hope the government will study Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act to provide opportunities for students at institutions of higher learning to be directly involve in politics,” he told a media conference after chairing the Umno Youth executive council meeting here today.
The move, he said, would be in line with the government’s decision to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA).
In another development, Khairy said the Umno Youth would hold its executive council meeting in all states, beginning with Selangor today, as part of its efforts to draw up strategy to strengthen the party machinery.
The movement, he said, would also hold information sessions on the issue stirred by Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu in claiming the communist as the actual fighters of the country’s independence.
The first information session would be held in Bukit Kepong, Johor, on Oct 29, with the cooperation of the ex-servicemen associations, he added.
– Bernama