Anwar urges patience as govt works on comprehensive AUKU reforms for students

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged patience as the government works on comprehensive reforms to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) for the benefit of students and higher education institutions. Anwar emphasized the need for all parties to give the government room to bring about amendments or completely repeal the act.

The Prime Minister has been consistent in his opposition to the act for a long time and stressed the government’s commitment to comprehensive change for students.

In response to a question at the Malaysia MADANI Intellectual Forum Series 13, Anwar clarified that the goal is to amend or repeal the act through a comprehensive process and thorough review. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing broader political space and channels for student freedom of speech, anchored on good governance and orderly laws.

Anwar also asked the National Student Consultative Council (MPPK) to give him time to hold a special meeting to discuss matters raised by student representatives regarding the act’s validity and student welfare.