Govt mulls independent panel to oversee university autonomy
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering setting up an independent panel to review university decisions and operations under the proposed One Higher Education Act (OHEA), the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Bangkok: The Malaysian government is contemplating establishing an independent panel to oversee autonomous universities under the proposed One Higher Education Act (OHEA), Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim informed the Dewan Rakyat. The proposed panel or council would review issues related to university administration, academic affairs, and other institutional operations.
He clarified that the OHEA would introduce new mechanisms to bolster university autonomy, encompassing staff management, academic programs, and strategic collaborations. The government is also contemplating offering special legal protection to academics, extending beyond the typical employer-employee relationship. The ministry is currently reviewing seven major laws governing higher education to align and harmonize them under a new legal framework.
These reforms aim to strengthen university autonomy, academic freedom, and students' rights. The ministry will continue consultations with various stakeholders, including students, academics, legal experts, and MPs, to address concerns over university governance. When asked about the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) not creating legal gaps or uncertainty, Adli stated that the repeal must be carried out in a planned and phased manner.
He emphasized that Auku serves as a key legal framework for public universities, with 32 sections relating to governance and seven addressing students and disciplinary matters. The repeal should be implemented carefully to prevent legal gaps that could disrupt university administration and operations.
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