KUALA LUMPUR: The abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) has been described as a significant step towards restoring campus autonomy and fairness for student movements nationwide.
Pakatan Harapan Youth chief Woo Kah Leong said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflected the Madani government’s commitment to freeing the academic community from restrictions under the act.
"Anwar, as a former student leader, is the only Prime Minister to announce the abolition of an outdated and oppressive act that restricted student freedom,” he told a press conference here on Saturday (Aug 15).
Woo said restrictions under Auku had previously limited freedom of expression and critical thinking among university students.
"The abolition of Auku is an effort to restore justice to students who were affected and treated unfairly under the act,” he added.
He also announced that Pakatan Youth would organise a ‘Campus Tour’ at public and private higher education institutions to gather views and feedback from students nationwide.
Meanwhile, Amanah Youth deputy chief Ammar Atan said the move could help shape the character and independent thinking of young people without political pressure.
"Auku was not abolished merely for political interests, but to allow students to develop their thinking and, more importantly, build autonomy among young people,” he said.
DAP Youth deputy chief Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez described the abolition as a starting point for a more comprehensive higher education reform.
"This announcement does not mean we have reached the end of the journey, but marks the beginning of efforts to provide greater autonomy to students and campuses in Malaysia, whether public or private,” he said.
He added that Pakatan Youth would consider forming a special committee to monitor the transition of university administration towards the implementation of full campus autonomy. — Bernama
