Anwar announces repeal of Universities and University Colleges Act, after students push for greater freedom

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared that the government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act of 1971 (UUCA), responding to persistent demands from university students for increased autonomy. Anwar, who serves as the president of the People's Justice Party (PKR), disclosed this decision during his policy address at the 2026 PKR National Congress in Melaka.

The repeal comes after multiple amendments to the Act failed to fully address the grievances of students, who expressed dissatisfaction with the limitations imposed by UUCA, Anwar explained.

Despite prior amendments aimed at enhancing student freedom, some students remain unsatisfied, leading to a memorandum submission, he noted. This shift marks a clear departure from the government's earlier strategy of amending UUCA to grant students more freedom while preserving the law as the foundation for public university administration.

Since its inception in 1971, UUCA has undergone several modifications, including changes in 2012 that permitted students to engage in political party activities outside campus. The 2024 amendments expanded upon these by altering student disciplinary procedures and allowing student representative councils and bodies to collect funds and accept contributions, all in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

In 2023, Anwar had pledged the repeal of certain provisions of UUCA that restricted student and academic freedom, while the Ministry of Higher Education stated its intention to retain the Act but amend it to bolster student political engagement.

Furthermore, the 2024 amendments transitioned disciplinary decisions involving public university students from the vice-chancellor to Student Disciplinary Committees through amendments to Section 16B. Additionally, Section 15A was revised to empower student representative councils and bodies to raise funds and secure contributions, provided they adhere to applicable written laws and regulations.

The UUCA, enacted in 1971, outlines the legal framework governing the governance and administration of public universities in Malaysia. For years, student groups have advocated for the Act's repeal, particularly concerning provisions they argue curtail student participation in politics and public affairs. Anwar had previously committed to eliminating sections that limited student and academic freedom.

The government's 2024 amendments primarily focused on strengthening university governance and student activities and disciplinary processes while maintaining UUCA as the overarching framework.