Mansuh Auku: Perlu kerangka undang-undang baharu, kata pakar

Analysts urge new framework law for Malaysia's University and College Act (Auku) 1971, Malaysia's Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Deputy Rector for Development and Inclusiveness Anuar Ahmad says the move is crucial given that Auku pertains not only to student activities but also encompasses aspects of university establishment, management, administration, and powers granted to institutions.

The relevant committee should investigate all existing aspects of Auku to ensure the amendment does not compromise university operations, he told Bernama. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will amend Auku to provide wider democracy and freedom to the student movement in the country, and this will be brought to the Cabinet on Wednesday.

He views the amendment as an opportunity to strengthen academic freedom by allowing academics to share viewpoints to society based on facts, data, and empirical research. The restrictive measures under Auku before have discouraged some academics from participating in public discussions, and their expert opinions should be shared as they can expand public understanding and contribute to national development.

"A dynamic and progressive society requires openness to differences in opinions, warnings, and criticism, as long as it is based on fact, data, and accountable academic research," he said. Meanwhile, neuroscientist and safety-politics analyst at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, emphasizes that student free speech as a transformative step is beneficial for elevating development and leadership among the young generation.

"Be vocal, maintain one's views, argue... but the basic elements of national education and civilizational education in the form of national education must be adjusted so that we do not run away from our national identity today and in the future," he said. The amendment should be aligned with aspirations in the realm of statehood and unity in context, as the aspiration for Auku amendment should not create a new balance different from the nation's true identity, he added.

UM offers viewpoint Malaysia's Universiti Malaya (UM) Deputy Chancellor Noor Azuan Abu Osman suggests any amendment should be thoroughly examined, not just specific aspects, taking into account the entire higher education ecosystem and the role of universities in developing students, society, and the nation. UM is ready to cooperate and contribute insights and expertise to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and all stakeholders in the joint effort to develop the new legal framework, he said.

"Most importantly, this amendment must support the larger goal of producing knowledgeable, responsible, and meaningfully contributing graduates to university and national development," he said. UM student union leader Syaiful Asyraff Kamarudin believes the amendment could transform universities from mere sources of graduates to platforms where students can think freely, challenge ideas, argue based on facts, and face diverse perspectives.

"I am confident that the Madani government under the prime minister's leadership has plans and a replacement framework for Auku to ensure university autonomy and empower students through student government," he said.