PASIR GUDANG: The government would not restrict university students from contesting in the 13th General Election, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“That university students have freely dabbled in politics shows they acknowledge that the government practised democracy.
“In fact, their action also proved they had confidence in the transparency of the country’s election process and so, could feel comfortable about winning,” he said.
He said this after launching the 1Malaysia Community Carnival and launch of the Community College’s strategic partnership with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and retail industry here yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled was commenting on the Gerakan Mahasiswa PRU13 (13 GE University Students Movement)’s proposed motion to nominate six candidates to contest in the general election, including in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s parliamentary constituency of Pekan.
Nevertheless, he described the movement’s proposed action to contest in the seat held by the prime minister as merely trying to attract publicity.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said, beginning this year, students with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia would be able to continue their studies at community colleges with a minimum one credit.
He said the flexibility was among the improvements and new initiatives adopted by the ministry to encourage lifelong learning.
“Apart from that, to motivate more people to study or undergo courses at community colleges, those who are already employed can also use their working experience to gain entry for a certificate or diploma qualification,” he added. — Bernama