PETALING JAYA: A more comprehensive national higher education legislative framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) has been identified under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).
The Higher Education Minister said Auku is not merely an Act regulating student affairs or freedoms, adding that the ministry had already considered renewing the country’s higher education legislative framework by drafting a new Act to replace Auku.
“I take note of the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the abolition of Auku during his presidential policy speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress.
“This process will certainly be carried out inclusively and comprehensively, taking into account the views of all stakeholders,” he said yesterday.
Zambry said the ministry’s goal was not merely to repeal an Act, but also to establish a more comprehensive and forward-looking higher education legislative framework that would strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and student voice.
At the same time, it will also ensure governance, accountability and excellence in higher education institutions, said the minister.
“This is part of the transformation of the country’s higher education sector that we have embarked on through the RPTM 2026–2035, to ensure Malaysia’s higher education system remains relevant, dynamic and capable of responding to changes in the global education landscape,” he said.
In a separate statement, Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the Prime Minister’s announcement to abolish Auku is a significant step towards genuine reforms.
Adam Adli said the announcement was a gift to the struggle of generations of students.
“At this point, I don’t think about who won or who gets the credit.
“I’m simply reminded of the faces of those who stood together before, those who were afraid but still showed up, and those who were punished but continued to speak out.
“Thank you, Prime Minister,” he said.
