Universities set the modules for motivational camps, says Idris (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The onus should be on universities to ensure modules for motivational camps are appropriate for their students, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (pix) said following the recent arrest of students for indecent exposure during a camp in Bentong, Pahang.
The Higher Education Minister said it only sets the policy for public higher education institutions for such programmes, adding that it has no control over private universities.
"Most of these activities fall under the autonomy of the respective universities. You have to understand what are the autonomy given to the universities, and what is known by the minister.
"We (ministry) don't control everything. Everything you are asking the minister, even the minister does not know what is happening," he told a press conference after attending the National Entrepreneurship for Higher Education Council meeting, here, today.
Idris was commenting on the recent arrest of 48 participants aged between 19 and 23, believed to be higher education students, for going naked during a supposed sporting event at a resort on Jan 21.
It is however uncertain whether the motivational camp in Bentong was conducted by a higher education institution.
When asked if the ministry should be given more control over the modules of such camps, he said: "You (universities) want more autonomy, we give more. In our blueprint, we mentioned that more autonomy would be given to universities as time goes on."
On what action would be taken should the participants be confirmed as students of public universities, Idris said he was unable to comment until he obtained further information on the matter.
The individuals arrested are currently being investigated under Section 294 (a) of the Penal Code for indecent exposure, which carries a three month jail term, fine, or both upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Idris said universities may soon be required to allow students to conduct businesses in their premises in an attempt to create more entrepreneurs among graduates.
He said this would be one of several policy changes the ministry would implement in the near future.
"Even now, students are being encouraged to start doing business. There will be some policy changes," he said when asked on what the ministry would do to address the issue of certain universities not allowing businesses to be conducted in their compounds.
Idris also announced that this October has been declared as an entrepreneurship month for all universities nationwide.