Najib says will lift student politics ban

Najib said the government will still appeal a court decision that ruled the section of the UUCA unconstitutional. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the government plans to lift the ban on student participation in politics, as part of his administration’s political reforms. The prime minister told Parliament today amendments would be tabled to amend the controversial Section 15 of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA), to allow students above 21 to be active members of political parties.
“To respect the constitutional rights of our students who have reached the age of maturity, we will amend Section 15 of the UUCA to allow them to be members of political parties,” he said when tabling a motion to lift three Emergency declarations here.
The surprising announcement earned Najib a round of applause from the House, with lawmakers thumping on their tables to show support.
Najib confirmed, however, that the government would still proceed with its appeal of a recent court ruling that Section 15 of the law is in breach of the Federal Constitution.
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