Auku replacement Bill expected to be tabled in December – Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, anticipates the bill that will supplant the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) will be presented to the Dewan Rakyat in December. Minister Zambry explained that the Ministry is diligently conducting a series of comprehensive engagements with stakeholders to ensure the bill encompasses the entire national higher education landscape before its parliamentary debut.

The first reading is being scheduled for the December parliamentary session, although the process may require more time. Zambry emphasized the extensive nature of the engagements, noting that the bill’s scope extends beyond student autonomy to encompass administrative structures, university governance, and academic matters. He pointed out that the Auku Act comprises 44 sections, with seven sections directly addressing students, while the remaining sections cover university establishment, governance, academic matters, and other related aspects.

Zambry highlighted the importance of considering the entire national higher education ecosystem when drafting this new legislation. The recent engagements included a meeting with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee to gather feedback from both government and opposition representatives. Regarding the 2027 Budget, Zambry expressed optimism that the Ministry of Higher Education would receive a higher allocation to bolster the Malaysian Higher Education Development Plan.