New Act to replace Auku being fast-tracked, says Zambry

Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir has revealed that the higher education ministry is working swiftly to draft a new Act to replace the outdated Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971. KUALA LUMPUR: The ministry is striving to simplify provisions from the current law for inclusion in the new legislation, ensuring the retention of essential elements crucial for university establishment and operation.

Zambry clarified that Auku is more than just a student regulation; it provides the legal framework for public universities' formation and functioning. Simultaneously, the ministry is addressing student-related concerns, including easing restrictions, as directed by the prime minister, through executive actions and existing procedures.

Zambry stressed the importance of comprehending Auku's broader implications, especially its role in university establishment. Without Auku, universities would cease to exist, he stated. On August 15, Anwar revealed at the PKR congress that Auku would be abolished, without proposing a replacement law imposing student restrictions.

The higher education ministry subsequently formed an independent committee to study aspects of drafting a new law to succeed Auku. Anwar announced in August 20 that a bill to repeal Auku would be presented in the Dewan Rakyat during the year. Zambry's ministry is actively involved in briefings for the parliamentary select committee on nation building, education, and human resources development as part of the drafting process.