THERE are no plans to completely abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) because it is still relevant, said Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.
“In short, Auku is an important, relevant and well-functioning Act.
“Any weaknesses can be improved through amendments,” he said during Question Time.
Mohammad Yusof noted that Auku had been amended seven times since it was enacted in 1971.
“The last amendment in 2019 was to abolish Section 15(2)(c), giving more space and freedom to students to be involved in politics within and outside campuses,” he added.
Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) then raised a supplementary question, asking how the ministry will ensure student autonomy in the proposed amendments in Auku.
In response, Mohamad Yusof said amendments have allowed campus elections in 14 universities from December to February this year.
“The remaining six universities haven’t held theirs as their term has not expired,” he said.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) then said he hoped the government is serious about replacing it with a more complete law, to which Mohammad Yusof said all views will be noted.
Last month, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Putrajaya has no plans to abolish Auku.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman previously reminded the government that Pakatan Harapan had promised to abolish Auku in its GE15 pledge.
