Kuala lumpur: The country's new higher education legal framework must provide a conducive environment for Malaysian universities to grow, remain competitive and achieve excellence on par with leading institutions worldwide. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Osman Bakar stated that the framework should be progressive, fair, and forward-looking while safeguarding the sustainability and integrity of universities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Osman emphasized that the move to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) presented an important opportunity to establish such a framework and empower universities to respond to the changing demands of an increasingly dynamic higher education landscape. He mentioned that IIUM views this move as a significant development in renewing the country's higher education landscape, particularly by creating greater space for student participation and voices, strengthening academic freedom, and enabling universities to continue serving as platforms for knowledge, thought, and research.
Osman also welcomed the Ministry of Higher Education's commitment to conducting an inclusive engagement process with stakeholders across the higher education ecosystem, including university leaders, academics, and students. He noted that broad-based engagement was crucial to ensuring the new legal framework reflected the aspirations, realities, and current needs of Malaysia's higher education community.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah remarked that the new legislation presented an opportunity to strengthen the governance and autonomy of higher education institutions in a more structured manner, including in asset and facilities management, income generation, and strategic partnerships. He added that autonomy aligned with good governance and accountability principles could help universities optimize existing assets and facilities to generate income while strengthening institutional development and student welfare.
Arham pointed out that appropriate autonomy could also enhance universities' ability to establish strategic partnerships with the private sector and industry players, subject to the required approvals and financial and governance procedures. He stressed the importance of ensuring universities can explore new opportunities without compromising accountability, transparency, and the public interest.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that the government would repeal AUKU completely without introducing any new legislation that would restrict or suppress student movements. AUKU has undergone seven rounds of amendments since its introduction in 1971, including a 2012 amendment allowing students to participate in political party activities outside campus. The latest amendment, in 2024, removed disciplinary action against students at public universities from the Vice-Chancellor's jurisdiction. Such matters are now decided by the Student Disciplinary Committee following amendments to Section 16B of AUKU.
Meanwhile, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) fully supports the Higher Education Ministry's (MOHE) commitment to introduce a new legal framework through the One Higher Education Act (OHEA) agenda. In a statement today, UPNM described the proposed legislation, which is anchored in the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, as a strategic step towards transforming the country's higher education ecosystem to remain relevant and globally competitive.
The university stated that the initiative would not only strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and student voices but also safeguard university governance and accountability. UPNM intends to contribute constructive views as well as academic expertise and strategic legal input to support the development of a new legal framework that is inclusive, robust, and holistic. The university expressed confidence that the inclusive approach led by MOHE would serve as a catalyst for developing individuals with integrity, resilience, and strong values who could contribute holistically to Malaysia's development and sovereignty.