KUALA LUMPUR: Universities must be granted greater operational autonomy but this freedom must be matched by measurable accountability, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a new legal framework for higher education should allow institutions more flexibility while holding them accountable for learning quality, graduate mobility and research impact.
“Universities need more operational space, but that space must come with measurable accountability,” he said at the close of the 2026 Malay Education Convention yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid noted that following the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), focus has shifted to drafting replacement legislation.
“The central question now is what shape the new Act will take as a governance guideline for higher education,” he explained.
Ahmad Zahid said students must be given greater platforms to participate in decision-making and contribute new ideas.
He added that student activism should shift away from street demonstrations, speeches or rallies to focus on intellectual and professional development.
“I am confident that students will develop a broader mindset without AUKU restricting their thinking,” he said.
“We must not restrict students or academics through alternative methods.”
Ahmad Zahid stressed that educational success should not be measured solely by enrolment, certificates or qualifications.
“Graduation is the output; mobility is the outcome,” he said, noting that the proposed Education Mobility Index will track socioeconomic background, academic achievement, study pathways, employment, skills matching and income progression.
He urged institutions with a bumiputra mandate to target an 80% graduate employment rate in fields matching their qualifications.
Highlighting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key vehicle for social mobility, Ahmad Zahid noted its 95.9% average graduate employability rate in 2025.
He said the government, alongside private sector partners, aims to secure a premium starting salary of RM3,500 monthly for TVET graduates.
“Certificates open doors, but skills, productivity and value determine progress,” he said.
He added that Malaysia must transition from producing knowledge workers to creating knowledge owners – such as tech founders and patent holders – measuring research success through commercial patents, licensing, spin-offs and industrial solutions.
