The new legislative framework that will replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) must be comprehensive, progressive and designed to meet the changing needs of Malaysia’s higher education sector, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said.
Zambry said Auku was not solely a law governing student affairs and freedoms, but also served as the parent legislation underpinning the establishment, administration and governance of universities and university colleges.
As such, he said repealing the Act must be accompanied by a new legal framework capable of addressing the broader needs of higher education both now and in the future.
He said reforming the country’s higher education laws was already outlined under the Malaysian Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, including a proposal to introduce a One Higher Education Act.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier announced that the government would repeal Auku, saying students remained dissatisfied with certain provisions despite several rounds of amendments to the legislation.
Zambry said the development of the replacement framework would be carried out through an inclusive and comprehensive process, with the views of stakeholders from across the higher education sector taken into consideration.
Those involved would include university leaders, academics, public and private higher education institutions, industry representatives, polytechnics, community colleges, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers, legal experts and students.
He said the government’s objective went beyond simply abolishing an existing law, as the reform was intended to create a stronger legislative foundation for the country’s higher education system.
The new framework is expected to strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and the role of students while maintaining proper governance and accountability.
Zambry said excellence within higher education institutions would also remain a key priority as the government works towards a more future-ready system.
The move marks a significant step in the government’s wider higher education reform agenda, particularly in balancing greater academic and institutional freedom with effective governance and accountability.
