KEPALA BATAS: The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) is not solely focused on students, with the government reviewing the entire higher education legal framework before introducing replacement legislation.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic) said the review was necessary as the Act is the main legislation governing not only student-related matters but also the establishment and operations of universities, governance, academic affairs and administration.
“Auku currently has 44 sections covering aspects such as university establishment, governance, academic matters, academics, administrators and other areas, with only seven sections related to students.
“In the context of students, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that we need to examine aspects that have become constraints,” he said after opening the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Zambry noted the review will address academic freedom, operational challenges and the broader needs of administrators, students and higher learning institutions.
He said the new Act must serve as the main legal framework covering the entire higher education ecosystem, addressing both present and future needs.
The minister said the independent committee announced earlier would allow various views to be considered during the review process, in line with the government’s commitment to listen to all parties before finalising the new legal framework.
Last Sunday, Zambry said a more comprehensive higher education legal framework to replace the Act had been outlined under the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035, as part of the agenda to establish the One Higher Education Act launched in January.
Previously, Anwar said the government would repeal Auku to provide greater freedom and democratic space for students, after considering memorandums and views submitted by student leaders seeking comprehensive changes to the Act.
