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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged the complete repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 without introducing replacement legislation that would constrain student movements, addressing longstanding concerns over academic freedoms.
Malaysia's higher education regulator has cautioned that repealing AUKU must be paired with robust replacement legislation to preserve governance standards and protect the nation's academic reputation globally.
The Democratic Action Party has thrown its weight behind the government's proposal to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act, a move it has championed for decades. DAP is now calling for the government to extend similar reform momentum to other sectors.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced the government will abolish AUKU, the 1971 law governing universities. The move signals a major shift in how Malaysian higher education institutions operate and could reshape student activism and academic expression.
Malaysian youth organisations have welcomed the government's decision to abolish AUKU, describing it as essential for restoring campus autonomy and enabling students to think independently without institutional restrictions.
Malaysia's promised repeal of AUKU marks a symbolic victory for student freedoms, but reformers warn the real battle is ensuring new legislation tackles systemic inequities in university admissions that leave qualified students without places.
Malaysia's Higher Education Ministry has outlined plans to repeal the 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) and replace it with modern, comprehensive legislation as part of the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, announced by Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the government's proposal to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 will be presented to Cabinet this Wednesday for consideration and decision.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced the government's decision to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971, responding to student demands for expanded democratic freedoms and broader participation rights on campus.