DAP backs Anwar's plan to abolish AUKU, urges wider reforms

PUTRAJAYA: The DAP party has pledged its full backing to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's plan to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), urging the government to extend this momentum to other long-standing pledges. Anthony Loke, the party's secretary-general, declared that the abolition of AUKU has been a cause championed by the DAP for decades, describing the prime minister's announcement as a significant moment.

Loke emphasized that the DAP will give Anwar a hundred percent support, but called for further reforms beyond AUKU. He argued that the core issue in education is ensuring equal access to public universities, with no Malaysian should be denied a place in a public institution based on race. Loke stated that a Malaysian who achieves acceptable results should be entitled to a spot in a public university, and that the abolition of AUKU should be seen as a beginning, not an end, for educational reform.

The DAP would support any proposal from the prime minister and the Cabinet that reduces the cost of doing business, increases household incomes, and eases the cost of living, but stressed that mere announcements are not enough. Loke stressed that whatever decision the party makes regarding its future in government, the primary objective of the DAP remains achieving meaningful, positive change to make Malaysia a progressive country.

Anwar announced in his policy speech as PKR president that the government would abolish AUKU, stating that although amendments had been made, some issues remained unsatisfactory to university students. The proposal will be presented to the Cabinet meeting this Wednesday.