Zambry: New committee to create framework for filling Auku vacuum
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An independent committee will be formed in Malaysia to develop a framework for new legislation to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku), according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. The repeal of Auku is necessary to avoid a legal vacuum, as the law currently governs public universities.
The reform process involves four steps: forming the independent committee, conducting stakeholder engagement, establishing a drafting team to formulate the new bill, and putting in place the transitional mechanism. Zambry highlighted that the reform will also consider other laws affecting higher education, including the Educational Institutions (Discipline) Act 1976, the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000, and the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.
The repeal of Auku aligns with the ministry's long-term plan to introduce a single, comprehensive One Higher Education Act outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035. The minister acknowledged concerns about student and academic freedom under Auku and reiterated the government's commitment to a progressive and modern legal framework.
Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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