Kuala lumpur: The Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 must remain dynamic and evolve in step with current developments, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir emphasized. He highlighted that the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is receptive to feedback on the Act and is actively engaging with stakeholders, including students, to identify areas that require improvement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry pointed out the necessity of AUKU as the sole legislation governing the establishment of higher education institutions. He raised a critical question about the legal foundation for setting up public universities in the absence of AUKU. Zambry's comments came during a press conference following the inauguration of the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) Academia-Industry Conference 2026. Also in attendance was Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) vice-chancellor and MTUN vice-chancellor's committee chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin.

The minister mentioned ongoing discussions between universities and ministry officials to scrutinize potential shortcomings in AUKU. Originally enacted in 1971 and amended in 1974 and subsequent years, AUKU has seen several revisions. Zambry stressed that it must continue to adapt and cannot remain static. He reiterated MOHE's respect for calls from students nationwide to repeal or review the Act, underscoring the importance of aligning AUKU with current developments and maintaining an open channel for feedback from all parties.

AUKU serves as the legal basis for establishing universities and regulates the administration of universities and colleges in Malaysia. It grants the government and university authorities powers over essential administrative matters, including financial management, staff appointments, and student affairs.