Kuala lumpur: Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud refuted claims that Universiti Malaya (UM) was undermining student autonomy by requiring Student Affairs Department approval for activities and appointing advisers to student bodies. He said all public universities, including UM, appoint advisers only as mentors and facilitators to support student initiatives, not to interfere with autonomy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha assured the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) that approvals for student programmes rest with the Student Representative Council (SRC), and in the case of UM, the Kesatuan Mahasiswa. He made this statement in response to Raub MP Chow Yu Hui (PH), who raised concerns over alleged Student Affairs Department interference in student activities.

Phase One of the Student Empowerment Agenda, which began in March, covers three key initiatives: full election of the SRC by students, student administrative autonomy, and strengthening political literacy on and off campus. With the Universities and University Colleges Act 2024 taking effect on October 1, the ministry is moving into Phase Two, granting students greater authority over finance, welfare, and income generation.

This new phase includes allowing student bodies to open bank accounts, receive external funding, manage their finances, allocate welfare funds through the SRC or student union, and generate revenue independently.