Govt’s reform agenda rests with PM, says Rafizi

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is the key figure in determining which reform proposals make it to the Cabinet. In the latest episode of his podcast, Rafizi emphasized that the government's reform agenda ultimately relies on the prime minister's decisions. He explained that while Umno, the ruling party, generally does not oppose reforms, it is the prime minister who ultimately decides whether ministry proposals reach the Cabinet.

Rafizi cited the recent announcement to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) as an example of the prime minister's role in shaping the government's reform agenda. He welcomed the move but noted that the real test will be whether further changes are made to higher education. Rafizi also mentioned that the 13th Malaysia Plan had proposed granting autonomy to one public university as a pilot project, which he had helped introduce.

He expressed hope that the repeal of Auku would pave the way for reforms in that direction, emphasizing that university autonomy should include both academic freedom and funding. The Auku law, enacted in 1971, has been a subject of debate over students' rights to protest, organize, and express views on political and public issues.

It was last amended in 2024 to grant student associations more autonomy over fundraising and other activities. The higher education ministry had previously not planned to abolish the law entirely but has now formed an independent committee to study aspects of drafting a new law to replace Auku.