Kuala lumpur: The government's plan to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) has been welcomed by public university leaders as a potentially transformative step towards strengthening institutional autonomy, governance, and academic freedom. They emphasized the necessity for any new legal framework to maintain a balance between greater freedom and accountability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) vice-chancellor Prof Dr. Yatimah Alias highlighted that the repeal of AUKU should be viewed in a broader context. The Act not only concerns student affairs and freedoms but also provides a crucial foundation for university establishment, administration, and governance. She emphasized the importance of developing a new framework through an inclusive process that considers various stakeholders' views. Dr. Alias advocates for freedom to be paired with responsibility, urging that freedom of expression be rooted in facts and respect, while financial autonomy and student activities remain transparent and accountable.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr. Osman Bakar noted that the repeal will provide students with more opportunities to mature, develop leadership potential, and engage constructively in society. He stressed the need for freedom to align with responsibility, intellectual integrity, and concern for the common good, allowing students to critically assess and debate issues based on knowledge and wisdom. This aligns with IIUM's commitment to Tawhidic Epistemology and the concept of Ummatic Excellence.
Echoing these sentiments, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr. Suriyani Muhamad described the repeal as a 'golden opportunity' to clarify public universities' accountability. She stressed that the new framework must balance autonomy with accountability, freedom with responsibility, and innovation with governance. This reform aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (2026-2035), which emphasizes transformation, excellence, resilience, and strengthening the higher education ecosystem.
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) expressed its support for the Ministry of Higher Education's (MOHE) efforts to develop a comprehensive legal framework under the 'One Higher Education Act' agenda. UTeM is ready to collaborate with MOHE in the stakeholder engagement process, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the higher education ecosystem to ensure institutions remain centers of knowledge and civilization while producing a generation capable of contributing internationally.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress, announced the government's intention to repeal AUKU to provide student movements with greater freedom and democratic space.
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr. Zaliman Sauli believes the repeal could lead to a more progressive and agile higher education ecosystem. This aligns with the aspirations of the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, advocating for a dynamic, resilient, and innovative system. Dr. Zaliman highlighted the need for autonomy to coincide with accountability, integrity, and governance, ensuring enhanced academic freedom translates into excellence.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed advocated for a comprehensive review of AUKU, supporting the Higher Education Minister's statement on drafting a new Act to replace AUKU. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive consultation process in creating a law that reflects the government's efforts to align higher education with current developments, particularly in granting students greater autonomy.