{
  "id": 942366,
  "title": "Anwar announces abolition of Universities and University Colleges Act",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/anwar-announces-abolition-of-universities-and-university-colleges-act",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T03:05:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1511577/anwar-announces-abolition-universities-and-university-colleges-act"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared the abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Act 30). Although amendments had been made previously, some issues remained unresolved for university students. These students desire freedom and dissatisfaction persisted even after amendments. At the PKR president's policy speech at the 2026 Keadilan National Congress, Anwar announced this decision. The Universities and University Colleges Act has undergone seven amendments since its introduction in 1971. The latest amendment in 2024 altered the disciplinary process for students at public universities, with disciplinary action now falling under the Student Disciplinary Committee rather than vice-chancellors. Section 15A of AUKU was also improved, allowing Student Representative Councils and student bodies to collect funds and receive contributions as per regulations and laws. Anwar highlighted other education reforms, such as organizing early education, providing TVET and STEM materials, and taking over preschool education for all children. He emphasized the importance of making preschool education accessible to children in both urban and rural areas.",
  "summary": "AYER KEROH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that his government would abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Act 30).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "AUKU abolition to be brought to Cabinet on Wednesday, says Anwar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/auku-abolition-to-be-brought-to-cabinet-on-wednesday-says-anwar",
        "published": "2026-08-15T04:25:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}