Mansuh Auku: ‘Jangan umum dahulu, fikir kemudian’, kata pemimpin Umno Kedah

Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin, a Kedah Umno leader, has cautioned the government against taking the “umum dahulu, fikir kemudian” approach when proposing the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). Instead, he urged the administration to outline the framework of the replacement legislation beforehand. “When the repeal of a parent act is announced at a party congress (PKR Kongress) without first detailing the replacement framework, citizens are entitled to question whether this is genuine reform or a politically expedient decision,” he stated in a statement.

Anwar, speaking at the PKR Kongress today, announced that Auku will be repealed and replaced with a new law, more than half a century after the parent act was introduced in 1971. Meanwhile, Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir described the framework for a more comprehensive replacement bill designed under the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026–2035.

Shaiful's party does not oppose reform, but he emphasized that altering the foundation of higher education cannot be done arbitrarily or for political gain. According to him, Auku's repeal is not solely about student freedom, as the purpose extends beyond them, including expanding opportunities for them to voice their opinions and engage in politics.

"If Auku is to be replaced, clarify the framework of the replacement and its implications for universities first. National higher education is not a political experiment," Shaiful added.