Anwar pledges full repeal of UUCA this year to end ‘culture of fear’ in universities

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the government will introduce a Bill to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) this year. According to Anwar, this move is a crucial part of the administration's strategy to eliminate a "culture of fear" that has taken root in universities, and to enable students and academics to participate in critical discussions.

Anwar explained, "Students are afraid of lecturers, lecturers are afraid of deans, deans are afraid of rectors, rectors are afraid of ministers, ministers are afraid of the prime minister, and the prime minister is afraid of students. This is not a healthy situation at all." He emphasized that open questioning - both politely and with good manners - is necessary.

"We can agree or disagree, but let us do so with respect," Anwar stated while engaging with students during a dialogue that followed the unveiling of the Himpunan Anak Muda Kebangsaan (HAMKA) Antarabangsa 2026.