KUALA LUMPUR: The views and suggestions of stakeholders will be considered when the new One Higher Education Act drafting begins, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
He said engagements with a variety of groups have already begun as the government wants to include all parties.
“We do not want anyone to be left behind as we draft the legislation to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku).
“A series of meetings has also been held with academics and administrations,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the 2026 Umno Annual General Assembly here on Saturday (Sept 12).
Zambry said engagements will also be held with student groups.
“I have also already met with student representatives at the national level and requested them to bring their groups for engagement as well.
“We want to consolidate all views so that we can draft comprehensive legislation. We are drafting something new - not for the current times but the future,” he said.
On Aug 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Auku will be abolished.
Student groups have since said students should not only be free to speak on campus but should also have a say in university decision-making..
They also said stronger safeguards for student rights and autonomy should be incorporated in the new law set to replace Auku.
Auku, enacted in 1971, governs the administration and management of public universities and contains provisions relating to student activities and participation in political activities.
The Act has been amended several times over the years, including to give students greater freedom to engage in political activities.
