New higher education law must be future-ready, says Zambry

Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that the upcoming legislative framework, following the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, must be thorough and forward-thinking. He emphasized that the Auku is not just an Act regulating student affairs; it is the foundational legislation governing the creation, management, and oversight of universities and university colleges.

"Hence, its repeal ought to be succeeded by a new framework that is more comprehensive, progressive, and aligned with the requirements of higher education in the present and the future," he stated in a declaration. Zambry further stated that initiatives to revamp the higher education framework have been detailed in the Malaysian Higher Education Plan 2026-2035 via a proposed One Higher Education Act.

Following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of the planned repeal of the Auku, Zambry mentioned that students continue to be dissatisfied with certain aspects of the Act despite several modifications. Zambry assured that the creation of the new framework will be a collective and complete process, incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders, including university leaders, academics, public and private higher education institutions, industry representatives, polytechnics, community colleges, technical and vocational education and training providers, legal professionals, students, and other pertinent entities.

"Our objective is not merely to repeal a law but to establish a more comprehensive and forward-looking higher education legislative framework that enhances institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and student representation," Zambry remarked. Simultaneously, he pledged to ensure that the governance, accountability, and excellence of higher education institutions remain intact.