Kuala lumpur: Experts say the government's decision to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 marks a progressive policy change that will help higher education keep pace with current developments and globalisation. Senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Education, Associate Prof Dr Abd Razak Zakaria, stated that the repeal is not about scrapping the legal functions of universities but establishing a more effective legal framework.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Abd Razak emphasized that student political participation and organizing opportunities were only a minor part of AUKU's provisions, and the university's core administrative structure would remain intact. He highlighted that key areas like the appointment of senior leaders, financial management, the powers of the Senate and Board of Directors, and academic freedom would continue under a new Act. The repeal is seen as a way to nurture a competitive and future-ready generation with leadership qualities.
Ahmad Faisal Mohamed Fiah, a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, concurred, noting past amendments to AUKU had empowered students and fostered innovative thinking. As a former member of the AUKU Amendment Main Committee (2021-2023), he believes abolishing the Act is pragmatic, giving students more space for maturity and independence. He pointed out that previous amendments had already liberalized AUKU, allowing student engagement with political parties, which revealed AUKU never imposed blanket restrictions.
AUKU has been amended seven times since its introduction in 1971, with significant changes in 2012 and 2024. The 2012 amendment allowed political activities off-campus, while the 2024 changes transferred disciplinary decisions from vice-chancellors to a Student Disciplinary Committee and improved student fundraising capabilities under Section 15A.
Universiti Malaya Students' Union president Aiman Izzat Shamsuddin urged the government to provide a clear transition timeline to avoid legal gaps. He welcomed the repeal but cautioned against new restrictions that might limit students' freedoms.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) supports the government's initiative to create a more comprehensive legal framework under the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035. UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin expressed readiness to collaborate with the Higher Education Ministry to ensure reforms are properly implemented. UiTM, governed by Act 173, shares similar governance principles with other universities, and any reforms should consider its specific requirements.
Dr Shahrin emphasized that any improvements to UiTM's legal framework must respect its identity, history, and responsibilities while enhancing governance, autonomy, academic excellence, and student development.