The Student Representative Council (SRC) is the highest university student body, serving as an intermediary between students and university management. Although the amendment to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 (Amendment 2023) has granted MPP greater autonomy, particularly in financial matters, their freedom in the decision-making process remains limited. Therefore, this study examines MPP’s involvement in university decision-making by focusing on how MPP influences decision-making, particularly in student development, the factors limiting MPP’s leadership in affecting university management decisions, and the best mechanisms to enhance MPP’s role as a more effective student union. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions involving 16 current and former MPP members who were selected purposively from public universities, the study identified three key findings. First, MPP plays a crucial role in student activism and socio-political change. Second, despite financial autonomy, factors such as university intervention, restrictions on freedom of speech, economic constraints, and a lack of student support hinder their involvement in university decision-making. Third, most MPP members prefer the Student Union model as the best mechanism to strengthen their influence. This study has significant implications for student association governance and guides the government in reinforcing MPP’s role in universities.