{
  "id": 1425504,
  "title": "Don’t just scrap UUCA, use it to reshape Malaysia’s universities, says UTM VC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/dont-just-scrap-uuca-use-it-to-reshape-malaysias-universities-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T05:29:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/17/dont-just-scrap-uuca-use-it-to-reshape-malaysias-universities-says-utm-vc/231662"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) should not be viewed merely as the end of a law, but rather as a chance to create a more mature, inclusive, and forward-looking higher education system in Malaysia. Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), emphasized that this transition must be backed by a legal framework that fosters knowledge, intellectual courage, and creativity in tandem with technological, economic, and geopolitical shifts. UTM expressed support for the Ministry of Higher Education's (KPT) intentions to execute the transformation comprehensively and responsibly. Prof Shafry highlighted that contemporary universities are not just knowledge providers but also hubs for problem-solving, idea generation, and the cultivation of independent-thinking and ethically-minded citizens. He stressed that higher education legislation must adapt to changing times without compromising institutional stability and public interest. Institutional autonomy should form the foundation of this reform, enabling universities to set academic priorities, enhance research, develop talent, and form strategic partnerships according to their unique strengths. However, he clarified that autonomy does not imply absolute freedom but requires accountability, transparency, integrity, and social responsibility. Academic freedom must also be bolstered as the cornerstone of a reputable university, granting academics and students the liberty to investigate complex issues, present evidence-based arguments, and engage in civil discourse. Prof Shafry cautioned that this freedom demands intellectual discipline, with arguments backed by facts, ethical research practices, and discourse that avoids the spread of extremist views or the denigration of human dignity. He stressed that the new higher education legal framework must acknowledge the diversity of institutions, including universities, university colleges, technologically-focused institutions, and private education providers, each with distinct mandates and challenges. The drafting of the replacement framework should be inclusive and evidence-based, incorporating the perspectives of students, academics, administrators, alumni, industry, civil society, and legal experts. The objective is not merely to alter the act's name but to produce a regulation that is clearer, fairer, and more resilient against future changes. Prof Shafry affirmed UTM's readiness to contribute its expertise and collaborate with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the reform delivers tangible benefits to students, institutions, and the nation. He emphasized that the success of AUKU's abolition should not be judged solely by the act's repeal date or the passage of new laws, but by the universities' ability to be more courageous in seeking truth, efficient in managing trust, open to embracing differences, and attuned to public needs. This represents an opportunity to develop higher education that is globally competitive and deeply rooted in human values, aligning with the aspirations of the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035. On August 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had assured that AUKU would be abolished to empower the student movement with greater freedom and democratic space.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) should not be seen a...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Repealing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 should enable Malaysia's universities to become more autonomous, innovative, and globally competitive, while fostering intellectual courage, creativity, and human values.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Don’t just scrap UUCA, use it to reshape Malaysia’s universities, says UTM VC",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/dont-just-scrap-uuca-use-it-to-reshape-malaysias-universities-says-1431361",
        "published": "2026-08-17T05:29:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}