{
  "id": 1432588,
  "title": "UUCA repeal can give Malaysian universities room to compete globally, says local varsitities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/uuca-repeal-can-give-malaysian-universities-room-to-compete-globally-1432588",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T05:55:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/17/uuca-repeal-can-give-malaysian-universities-room-to-compete-globally-says-local-varsitities/231664"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — Malaysia's new higher education legal framework must create an environment where universities can flourish, remain globally competitive and attain excellence, according to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Osman Bakar. Osman believes the upcoming replacement of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) is a prime chance to construct such a framework and enable universities to adapt to the evolving demands of the higher education landscape. He emphasized the move as a significant development in renewing Malaysia's higher education scene, with a focus on increasing student involvement, enhancing academic freedom, and maintaining universities as hubs for knowledge, thought and research.\n\nOsman also applauded the Ministry of Higher Education's dedication to engaging with stakeholders from the higher education community, including university leaders, academics and students, in a comprehensive manner. He stressed that inclusive engagement was vital to ensure the new legal framework reflects the aspirations, realities, and current needs of Malaysia's higher education system.\n\nProfessor Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), echoed Osman's sentiments, stating that the new legislation presents an opportunity to bolster the governance and autonomy of higher education institutions in a more structured manner. This includes managing assets and facilities, generating income, and forming strategic partnerships. He also highlighted that appropriate autonomy could enhance universities' ability to enter into partnerships with the private sector and industry players, as long as proper approvals and financial and governance procedures are followed. Arham emphasized that such an approach is crucial to ensure universities can explore new opportunities without jeopardizing accountability, transparency, and the public interest.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — The country’s new higher education legal framework must provide a conducive environme...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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",
        "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."
}