Students’ group calls for ‘clear timeline’ for abolition of Auku

The students' advocacy group Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia, or Haram, has welcomed the Malaysian government's decision to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, commonly known as Auku. However, the group has expressed concern that the process should not be carried out lightly. In response to the government's announcement, Haram urged the authorities to establish a clear timeline for the abolition of the Act and to table a motion on the matter during the upcoming Dewan Rakyat meeting.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Auku would be abolished entirely and not replaced by legislation that could limit students' freedom. He emphasized that this move is essential to protect students' rights and prevent restrictions on their ideals and activities on campus. Anwar's remarks were made during his concluding speech at the PKR congress in Melaka.

In addition to the abolition of Auku, Haram called for increased independence in the appointment of university vice-chancellors, greater financial transparency, and the establishment of an independent tribunal to address disciplinary appeals involving students. The group urged the government to review other laws governing higher education institutions, stating that merely abolishing Auku would not lead to greater academic freedom if similar restrictions persisted in other areas.