Malaysia to thoroughly review higher education legal framework

Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education is undertaking a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing higher education, aiming to create a new act that replaces the outdated Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). The ministry emphasizes that this review will be exhaustive, considering all facets of the higher education ecosystem, not solely focusing on student welfare.

Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that the existing AUKU has numerous sections pertaining to governance and academic affairs, with only a fraction directly concerning students. Therefore, the upcoming legislation must address these broader aspects, alongside other relevant education acts like the Education Act 1996 and acts governing private higher education institutions and public universities.

A committee has been formed to conduct this review, which will actively seek input from all stakeholders. Dr. Zambry stressed the importance of listening to diverse perspectives to ensure the new act effectively serves the entire higher education sector. The AUKU, first enacted in 1971, has undergone seven amendments, with the most notable in 2012 allowing students to participate in political party activities outside campus.