KUALA LUMPUR, 11 Dec 2008: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2008 to improve and expand the autonomy of universities.
Under the bill, several powers held by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and minister will be transferred to the university authorities, which among others comprised the Board of Directors, Senate and Vice-Chancellors of the universities.
The bill also emphasised on the internal and external openness, transparency and accountability of the administration of each university.
It also allows the student to be an affiliate or member of an organisation or union whether within or outside the country.
The bill also empowers the chancellor to revoke the degree of any graduate for involvement in any scandal.
When winding up the debate earlier, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the amendment to the act was made based on educational considerations and principles and not for political purposes.
The Dewan Rakyat will sit again on 14 Dec. — Bernama
