Kerangka pendidikan tinggi baharu mesti lindung kebebasan akademik, kata Suhakam

The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) emphasized that any new framework for higher education must uphold academic freedom and the rights of students, following the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). Despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's statement that Auku would be repealed without replacement, Suhakam stressed that any future higher education framework should still be grounded in human rights principles.

The commission said the framework should be developed through meaningful dialogue involving students, academics, university leadership, civil society, and relevant stakeholders. It should also address the attendance of political elements, protecting academic and research freedom for teaching, conducting research, publishing findings, sharing opinions, and engaging in public discourse without undue interference or concern about undue pressure.

Suhakam added that a clear transition must be established to ensure the smooth running of universities without reverting to restrictive measures that could unjustly undermine fundamental freedoms. The commission further noted that the repeal of Auku should lead to substantive changes in the national higher education landscape. Universities must become open spaces for diverse viewpoints, idea exchange, and free debate, while enabling students to build critical thinking skills and play a meaningful role in society.

The Auku Act was last amended in 2024 to provide greater autonomy to student unions in fundraising and other activities. Prior to that, the Ministry of Higher Education stated that there were no plans to repeal the Act entirely.