Malaysian Qualifications Agency says abolition of AUKU cannot be taken lightly, urges clear guidelines

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has cautioned against the hasty repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), emphasizing the need for a comprehensive framework to maintain the country's higher education governance and quality standards. MQA CEO Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran warned that any changes to the higher education legal framework must be made carefully to prevent regulatory gaps and ensure orderly university management and administration.

He stressed that a comprehensive assessment, as recommended by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), should be conducted to evaluate the implications of any modifications to the higher education ecosystem. This assessment is crucial to avoid disrupting the government's goal of positioning Malaysia as a global education hub. Prof Shatar highlighted that AUKU serves as a vital instrument providing guidelines and a governance structure for higher education institutions, and its abolition cannot be taken lightly.

He appealed to the public to trust the KPT in its efforts to discuss and address matters related to the act, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's decision to abolish AUKU during the PKR Presidential Policy Address, stating that it aims to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement.

The decision was based on a memorandum and the views of student leadership advocating for significant changes to AUKU.