Kuala lumpur: The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) will establish an independent committee to examine and study all aspects involved in drafting a new law to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, or Act 30 (AUKU). Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, emphasized this step as part of the government's decision to repeal AUKU and introduce the One Higher Education Act.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the establishment of the committee is one among several measures planned following the Cabinet's acknowledgment of this legislative shift. Zambry outlined the steps involved, which include stakeholder engagement sessions, the formation of a drafting group for the new legislation, and the establishment of a transition mechanism to ensure university operations are not disrupted during the transition.
Zambry addressed the importance of a transition mechanism, highlighting the need for an interim legal framework to maintain university functionality between the repeal of AUKU and the enforcement of the new law. He stressed that drafting the new law is a time-consuming process, given AUKU's comprehensive coverage of higher education aspects, which include governance, academics, and student affairs.
He clarified that the intent is not merely to rename the existing provisions but to develop an entirely new legal framework that aligns with contemporary and future needs. Zambry assured that all stakeholders would be involved in the drafting process to ensure the law addresses the sector's needs comprehensively, reinforcing the collective commitment from his ministry, the Prime Minister, and the government.
The effort to create a more comprehensive legal framework was outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, forming part of the One Higher Education Act agenda launched earlier this year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously emphasized the importance of repealing AUKU to foster greater freedom and democratic space for student movements, responding to calls for change from student leaders.