GEORGE TOWN: University students have been advised to play significant roles in efforts to boost the spirit of the people.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said there were many historical records around the world that show how the aspirations and great thinking of students have successfully brought about change in a country.
He also cited some historical examples that were triggered and mobilised by students such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa in the 1970s and 1980s, the 2016 protests against land reforms in Kazakhstan as well as the Carnation Revolution in Portugal in 1974.
"There are many more examples that show how student aspirations and movements are very effective in shaping the value system held by a society," he said in his speech at the opening of the UiTM SeMalaysia Student Representative Council (MPP) Convention here yesterday (September 3).
Students' awareness of what happens outside the university not only brings changes in the country's policy and direction, but also contributes to better government governance, he said.
"In fact, in our own country, many of the early independence movements were influenced by students because society sees students as the smartest and best talent of the nation," he added.
Also present was Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor. – Bernama