Kuala lumpur: The abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) necessitates the establishment of a high-level committee to develop a new legal framework ensuring the governance and management of higher education institutions (HEIs) are protected.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Anuar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), emphasized the importance of this step. AUKU is not only related to student activities but also serves as the source of power for the establishment, management, and administration of universities, as well as the powers granted to these institutions.
"The committee needs to examine all provisions of AUKU that have long been a subject of debate, including those related to student activities, to ensure that the repeal of the act does not disrupt the smooth operation of universities," he told Bernama.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will abolish AUKU to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country, with the matter to be presented to the Cabinet next Wednesday.
Dr. Anuar also sees the abolition of AUKU as an opportunity to strengthen academic freedom, allowing academics broader space to convey views based on facts, data, and empirical research. He noted that constraints under AUKU previously discouraged some academics from participating in public discussions, although their insights could enhance public understanding and contribute to national development.
"A dynamic and advanced society needs openness towards differing views, reprimands, and criticisms as long as they are based on facts, data, and accountable academic research," he said.
Dr. Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) highlighted the benefits of opening up freedom of expression for students, describing it as a transformation that could enhance civilization development and the leadership of the younger generation. He emphasized the need for this freedom to be grounded in a strong understanding of national identity, anchored in the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara (National Principles), to prevent polarisation that could threaten national security.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Professor Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman stressed that any reform should be comprehensive, considering the entire higher education ecosystem and the role of universities in student, community, and national development. He stated that UM is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and all stakeholders in developing this new legal framework.
Former UM Student Representative Council (MPP) President Syaiful Asyraff Kamarudin expressed confidence in the government's plan for a replacement framework for AUKU, which would promote university autonomy and empower students.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students, including third-year Financial Economics student Nurul Husna Amanda Syukran and second-year Bachelor of Science (Geology) student Muhammad Irsyad Iman Muhammad Irwan, also shared their views. They noted that the abolition of AUKU has the potential to create a more open campus culture and ensure students have the freedom to think critically and engage with societal and national development issues.