PUTRAJAYA: Any new law to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) will focus on the administration and management of universities and university colleges, says Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
"Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) said although there may be a need to introduce or draft a new law to govern certain administrative and management aspects of universities and university colleges, matters involving students and undergraduates should not be included in such legislation as existing laws, including those involving the police, already apply.
"The Higher Education Minister also informed us that aspects that need to be addressed concern the administration of universities and university colleges as institutions of higher education.
"This will be given priority in any Bill that replaces certain aspects currently covered under AUKU," he said at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here on Wednesday (Aug 19).
On Aug 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said AUKU would be fully repealed without introducing any new laws that restrict or suppress student freedom.
Fahmi, who is also government spokesman, said Anwar is aware of calls, including from Pakatan Harapan component parties, for equal constituency development fund allocations for all MPs.
He said the matter was not discussed at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.
"But certainly, the Prime Minister is aware of the matter. It may be discussed at a later date," he said.
