Bill to replace Auku may be tabled in December

The Higher Education Minister, Zambry Abd Kadir, has indicated that the new legislation to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) could be introduced in December during the upcoming parliamentary session. Speaking to reporters after the University Research & Innovation Investment Summit 2026, Zambry noted that the consultation process for the new law is extensive and covers a wide range of topics.

He explained that while the Act has 44 sections, only seven are directly related to students' concerns. The remaining sections deal with matters such as the establishment of universities, governance, and academic affairs. Zambry emphasized that the government is consulting a parliamentary select committee chaired by Saifuddin Abdullah, as well as various stakeholders including the government, opposition, university administrators, and academics.

The next Dewan Rakyat meeting is scheduled from October 5 to December 8, with the 2027 budget expected to be presented on October 9. In August 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the intention to replace Auku, citing the failure of previous amendments to adequately address students' concerns. The Act, enacted in 1971, has been a subject of contention regarding students' rights to protest, organize, and express their political and public views.

The legislation last underwent amendments in 2024 to grant student associations more autonomy over fundraising and other activities.