PM Anwar vows full repeal of AUKU, no replacement laws curbing student freedom or movement

MELAKA, Aug 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to fully repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) without introducing any new laws that could restrict or suppress student freedom. The assurance was given during his winding-up speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Melaka.

Anwar, also the President of the People's Justice Party (PKR), emphasized that he would personally raise the issue during the upcoming Cabinet meeting. He expressed concern over the practice of repealing AUKU only to introduce a new law that also curtails student activities. The Prime Minister believes that existing legal provisions, including those pertaining to criminal offenses, are adequate to handle any misconduct by student groups.

Students, being ordinary citizens, are subject to the general laws that apply to everyone, he stated. AUKU has witnessed seven rounds of amendments since its inception in 1971, with the latest changes in 2024 removing the vice-chancellor's authority over disciplinary actions against students at public universities and allowing student representative councils to raise funds and accept contributions under existing regulations.