Akta baharu ganti Auku sudah dalam perancangan KPT, kata Zambry

Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) is reportedly in the process of designing a comprehensive new law to replace the University and University College Act 1971 (AUKU), according to Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir. The new legislation, part of the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035 launched in January, aims to strengthen academic freedom, student representation and institutional autonomy, Zambry told a statement.

He emphasized that AUKU is not just a legal framework for student welfare or freedom, but rather a foundational law governing the establishment, management and operation of universities and university colleges. Zambry noted that the replacement of AUKU should be followed by a broader, progressive and suitable framework that meets the current and future needs of higher education.

The Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement to repeal AUKU was made during his address to the National Justice Congress 2026. The process of drafting the new framework will be inclusive, incorporating perspectives from university leaders, academics, public and private higher education institutions, industry players, polytechnics and community colleges, as well as TVET providers and other stakeholders.

The government's goal is not only to repeal AUKU, but to build a law that enhances institutional autonomy, academic freedom and student representation, without compromising management and accountability of higher education institutions.