Malaysiakini
Hazlan Zakaria Aug 15, 10 12:15pm
PKR parliamentarians have extended a call offering Deputy Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah the lead in a bi-partisan parliamentary caucus to pave the way for student participation in politics.
“About students in politics, we are willing to work with YB Saifuddin in a caucus to work towards abolishing the University and University College Act (UUCA),” said PKR Lembah Pantai parliamentarian Nurul Izzah Anwar.
She added that despite Saifuddin (right) being a top Umno leader, they are still willing to work with him as long as the common goal can be attained.
Saifuddin has been vocal in supporting students’ participation in politics, despite the hardline approach taken by other Umno leaders against the move.
The proposal to allow student involvement gained momentum recently after the government decided to reverse an earlier ban on graduate teachers from politics.
Nurul Izzah said this at a press conference after PKR facilitated a seminar on the perspective of youth on current affairs.
Nearly 80 students and young professionals attended the seminar organised by the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (Upen), discussing their views on matters like education, economy and governance.
Direct elections: Zaid’s views welcomed
At the same press conference, PKR leaders were also asked if they were disappointed with Pakatan Rakyat co-ordinator Zaid Ibrahim’s recent comments against the party’s newly mooted code of ethics for party election candidates.
Zaid (right) had criticised the code of ethics as encumbering candidates from being able to campaign and promote themselves adding that such strict rules mirrors the practice of his former party Umno.
“We welcome his views; we respect it, though we would have liked it better if it were not aired publicly. But we accept his opinion as part of the democratic process,” said Nurul Izzah.
PKR youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin who was also there added that they view the matter as a positive development in the party, as it evolves towards the better.
“The question of disappointment never arose,” said the youth chief.
He added that a special committee has been set up under party vice-president R Sivarasa to look into suggestions such as those raised by Zaid, to ensure that the code of ethics is implemented smoothly and in a structured manner
