Kuala lumpur: The government's proposal to completely abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) aims to expand spaces for student and academic freedom, fostering a more open intellectual culture. Senator Dr. Jufitri Johar highlighted that this aligns with the efforts to treat students as adult citizens, free from separate legal regimes concerning freedom of speech, association, and public engagement.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Jufitri stated that the Prime Minister's position against 'cosmetic amendments' underscores a mature approach, acknowledging that existing criminal laws and disciplinary regulations suffice for addressing student misconduct. Dr. Jufitri, a former Malaysian Youth Council president, emphasized the historical burden AUKU has imposed since its enactment in 1971, suppressing student freedom for over four decades.
Dr. Jufitri argued that AUKU conflicted with Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees citizens' rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. He urged the Ministry of Higher Education and the Cabinet to ensure the abolition of AUKU genuinely restores democratic space, allowing freedom of association and political participation without fear.
The proposal for AUKU's repeal should involve inclusive and transparent processes, engaging student bodies, academics, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that the repeal would not be accompanied by new restrictive laws, highlighting the government's commitment to student freedom.
AUKU has undergone seven amendments since 1971, notably in 2012 to allow political party involvement outside campus and in 2024, shifting disciplinary authority from vice-chancellors to a Student Disciplinary Committee.
Higher education expert Prof Datuk Dr Azizul Halim Yahya commended the government's bold step to enhance student freedom, emphasizing Malaysia's effort to align with countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where student freedom of speech is upheld. Prof Azizul noted that despite AUKU's repeal, students remain subject to laws on contempt and defamation, requiring them to exercise freedom responsibly.
He stressed that increased freedom should serve as a learning process, developing mature students capable of critical evaluation, opinion expression, and issue analysis.