Compulsory Federal Constitution, History studies draw mixed response from university students

KUCHING (Jan 21): University students have expressed mixed views on the move to make the Federal Constitution and Malaysian History compulsory general studies subjects (MPU) in all public and private universities starting this year.

Muhammad Rafi Johan, a 26-year-old civil engineering student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said the subjects were relevant at the university level, as students would be able to understand the studies better.

“At tertiary level, students are more mature and able to understand the subjects beyond memorisation, especially in terms of rights, responsibilities and governance.

“As a civil engineering student, this knowledge is relevant because our future work often involves public infrastructure, government regulations, and matters that directly affect society,” he said.

He added the move adds value “as long as it is implemented properly”, as the existing MPUs at Unimas already expose students to ethics and governance.

On the use of Bahasa Malaysia for the MPUs, he said it was appropriate as it is the national language but stressed that teaching methods must be relevant.

“Most MPUs at my university are already taught in BM, so students are familiar with it. What matters more is the teaching approach, which is clear explanations, discussions and real examples so students can truly understand the content,” he said.

Another civil engineering student, Cherlyline Chawla Arrick, 26, from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia said that learning about the Federal Constitution was important as university students are future leaders and professionals.

“Understanding the Federal Constitution helps us know our rights, responsibilities, and how the country is governed — especially in a time when social and political issues are often debated online,” she said.

However, she said that making the subjects compulsory did not automatically strengthen unity or civic awareness.

“It adds value if it is taught in an engaging way. If it’s just memorisation again, then it feels like a burden. While the intention is to promote unity and civic awareness, simply making the subject compulsory does not guarantee meaningful engagement.

But if discussions, case studies and current issues are included, it can be relevant,” she said.

Celine Jelak Will, a part-time Bachelor of Administrative Science student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), said she supported the move as History at the school-level was largely exam-oriented.

“As future professionals and citizens, university students should have a clear understanding of the legal and constitutional foundation of Malaysia.

“What we learned in school was quite basic and mostly focused on exams. I feel that many students do not fully understand how the constitution works in real life or how national history connects to current issues,” she said.

Celine also did not fully agree with the subjects being taught solely in BM, and suggested that bilingual flexibility would help students from diverse backgrounds understand constitutional concepts better.

Meanwhile, a Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak design student who preferred to be identified as Malik said the subject could help students become more informed.

“I see it as adding value to my education, but also a burden because I have another subject to worry about too,” he said, adding he would appreciate explanations in English as well.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the launch of the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035 said that the new MPUs would be included in the curriculum of all public and private universities starting this year to ensure all students have a basic understanding of the nation’s history and the structure of the Federal Constitution.