KUALA LUMPUR: An independent committee will be established to look into the drafting of the proposed One Higher Education Act, which will replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister said establishing the independent committee would be the first step in developing the new legislation.
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The second step, he said, would involve engaging all stakeholders in the higher education sector, while a separate group would be formed to develop the new Bill.
“There must be a transition mechanism because we do not want to simply announce the repeal and then be left wondering how these universities will function. Without legislation governing these matters, the universities cannot function,” he told reporters at the Higher Education Ministry Graduate Employability Conference 2026 (PKGKPT 2026) on Thursday (Aug 20).
“This will take some time as this is not a small matter. This is not something that concerns just one particular group,” he said, adding that work on the process has already begun.
He also said that after 50 years of AUKU, the higher education sector has undergone significant and dynamic developments, necessitating a review of the legislation from various aspects.
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“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also announced the repeal of AUKU. We respect that and we need to proceed with the next steps,” he said.
On Aug 16, Anwar said AUKU would be fully repealed without introducing any new laws that restrict or suppress student freedom.
Three days later, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said 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.
"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," he said at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Wednesday (Aug 19).
In a statement on Thursday (Aug 19), the Higher Education Ministry said the process of developing the new act will be carried out carefully to ensure that the repeal of AUKU does not create any legal gaps or affect the continuity of governance and the operations of higher education institutions.
“The ultimate aim is to develop a stronger, resilient and forward-looking higher education legal framework that strengthens institutions, protects the interests of the entire higher education community and provides greater space for autonomy, innovation and the development of the country’s higher education sector,” the statement read.
