Independent committee to review Malaysia's new Higher Education Act

Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is set to form an independent committee to thoroughly examine the proposed "One Higher Education Act." This move follows the government's decision to abolish the long-standing Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU).

Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that the establishment of this independent body is the crucial first step in developing the new act. The committee's mandate will be to scrutinize all necessary aspects, ensuring the forthcoming legislation comprehensively addresses matters related to higher education institutions. "We will establish an independent committee to look at all aspects for the new act we will establish," he said.

The process of drafting this new legal framework will be inclusive and comprehensive, actively seeking the views of all stakeholders. KPT will also form a dedicated group to develop the new bill. "So we will involve all parties. This is my commitment, the ministry's commitment, the Prime Minister's commitment, and the government's commitment to ensure that a new act will cover everything," Zambry added.

According to Zambry, KPT has already begun planning the transition from the current act to the "One Higher Education Act," as outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035. He acknowledged that this process requires phased consideration and thorough study, given the dynamic evolution of the nation's education landscape over more than 50 years. "At our level, at the ministry level, we have already looked at how we plan forward. Because after 50 years, our education development has been very dynamic, so we will certainly need to look at it from various aspects," he explained.