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

KEROH, August 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared on Friday that the Malaysian government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), responding to persistent demands from university students for enhanced freedom. Anwar, the President of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), disclosed this move after several attempts to amend the Act failed to fully satisfy students' concerns.

During his policy address at the 2026 PKR National Congress in Melaka, Anwar stated that while previous amendments granted students more freedom, some remained dissatisfied and submitted a petition. He remarked, "University students feel free. We have already provided them greater liberty through amendments to the UUCA previously, but some still feel unsatisfied and have submitted a memorandum."

This decision signifies a substantial deviation from the government's prior strategy of amending UUCA to enable greater academic freedom while maintaining it as the governing framework for public university administration. Since its inception in 1971, UUCA has undergone numerous amendments, with the latest in 2024 focusing on changes to student disciplinary procedures and financial management, permitting student representative councils and student bodies to collect funds and receive contributions under existing laws and regulations.

In 2023, Anwar had indicated that sections of UUCA curbing student and academic freedom would be repealed, although the Ministry of Higher Education had previously affirmed its intention to retain the Act, subject to amendments that would grant students more freedom in political activities. Notably, the 2024 amendments shifted disciplinary decisions for public university students from the vice-chancellor to Student Disciplinary Committees through amendments to Section 16B, and revised Section 15A to empower student representative councils and student bodies to raise funds and accept contributions, provided they comply with applicable written laws and regulations.