16.2.2 Student Representation and Empowerment at UniMAP

UniMAP Student Representative Council (Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar – MPP)

The UniMAP Student Representative Council (SRC), locally known as Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP), is a student-led body representing the collective voice of students across the University.

As an independent students’ union, MPP advocates for students’ rights, welfare, and interests, engages with the University administration on issues affecting the student community, and promotes student activism, leadership, and participation in governance.

Through its activities, MPP fosters a sense of community and responsibility, ensuring students are empowered and actively involved in decision-making processes that impact their academic and social environment, while encouraging engagement in university life.

Objects and Functions (UniMAP Constitution, Section 57(10), pdf page 38)

According to the UniMAP Constitution, the SRC is mandated to:

• Section 57(10)(a): Foster a spirit of corporate life among students, promoting unity and collaboration.
• Section 57(10)(c): Make representations to the Vice Chancellor on matters relating to the living and working conditions of students.
• Section 57(10)(d): Be represented on any body appointed to undertake student welfare activities, in accordance with rules made by the Board.

These constitutional provisions ensure that MPP plays a formal and active role in representing students, contributing to university governance, and supporting student welfare initiatives.

Impact on Governance and Campus Life

The MPP ensures students are:

• Empowered to voice their concerns and ideas
• Actively engaged in campus decision-making
• Equipped with leadership and organizational skills through participation in events, programs, and welfare initiatives

By integrating student perspectives into University governance, MPP helps UniMAP cultivate inclusive, participatory, and accountable institutional practices.

Alignment with SDG 16.2

Through structured student representation and participation, UniMAP strengthens inclusive governance, transparency, and community engagement, directly supporting SDG Target 16.2, which emphasizes inclusive decision-making, participatory governance, and empowerment of communities.

16.2.2 Strengthening Student Representation and Participation through the UniMAP Student Representative Council (SRC)

According to the Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Constitution (page 38), the Student Representative Council (SRC), or Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP), plays a vital role in promoting inclusive governance and student engagement within the university.

• Section 57(10)(a) states that one of the main functions of the SRC is “to foster a spirit of corporate life among the students of the University.”
• Section 57(10)(c) empowers the SRC “to make representations to the Vice-Chancellor on all matters relating to, or connected with, the living and working conditions of the students of the University.”
• Section 57(10)(d) further provides that the SRC is “to be represented on any body which may, in accordance with rules made by the Board for the purpose, be appointed to undertake student welfare activities in the University.”

These constitutional provisions collectively ensure that UniMAP students are actively involved in university governance, particularly in areas affecting their welfare, campus environment, and overall well-being. The SRC serves as an independent, student-led body that champions students’ rights and interests while fostering leadership, unity, and civic responsibility.

Through its representative role, the SRC embodies the principles of SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by promoting inclusive, participatory, and accountable decision-making processes within the university community.
(More info: PERLEMBAGAAN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PERLIS [P.U.(A) 468/2010])