{
  "id": 1017253,
  "title": "Academician calls for committee to oversee AUKU replacement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/academician-calls-for-committee-to-oversee-auku-replacement",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T10:38:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1511802/academician-calls-committee-oversee-auku-replacement"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Dr Anuar Ahmad has proposed the establishment of a special committee to determine the legal framework for replacing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). Dr Anuar welcomed the government's decision to abolish AUKU but stressed the need for a new Act or legislation to regulate universities and higher education institutions. He emphasized that the replacement legal framework should enhance protection for freedom of expression and academic freedom among university staff and academics. Dr Anuar argued that existing restrictions could discourage academics from openly expressing critical views, even when backed by empirical research, scientific data, and other evidence. He called for academic freedom to be maximized, without any restrictions that would prevent academic views from being shared or confined within universities and campuses. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced that the government would abolish AUKU as part of its reform agenda, in response to student concerns. Several amendments had already been made to improve student freedom, but some remained dissatisfied and submitted a memorandum for further changes. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that a new, more comprehensive Act would be introduced to replace AUKU, with efforts to reform the higher education legal framework outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, launched in January, through the One Higher Education Act agenda.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya should establish a special committee to determine the legal framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), an academician said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dr Anuar Ahmad proposes special committee for AUKU replacement.",
    "New legal framework to enhance freedom of expression and academic freedom.",
    "Current restrictions may discourage critical academic views."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}