Explainer: What abolishing AUKU means for universities

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the Malaysian government plans to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). Initially designed to regulate public universities, AUKU later became linked to limitations on student political activities on campus, particularly after amendments in the mid-1970s. What exactly is AUKU?

This Act, enacted in 1971, established a legal framework for the establishment, governance, and administration of public universities and university colleges in Malaysia. It replaced the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 74, 1971, and remains the primary legislation governing these institutions. The Act's evolution was marked by significant changes over the years.

In 1975, amendments significantly increased government control over public universities, including the appointment of vice-chancellors, who then appointed university administrators. Amendments in 1996 restructured university governance, reducing the size of university senates and governing councils. In 2009 and 2012, amendments aimed at increasing university autonomy relaxed some restrictions on student activities.

In 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government removed a provision prohibiting student political participation in university-organised activities. The changes in 2024 further strengthened student representative councils by allowing them to manage funds and shifting disciplinary authority to a Student Disciplinary Committee. With AUKU set to be abolished, Malaysia's higher education legislation will undergo a major transformation.