AUKU replacement curbs external powers limiting academic freedom – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 AUGUST 2026 —

Malaysia to Replace Outdated AUKU Act, Strengthen Academic Freedom – PM Anwar

Speaking at the launch of the 13th Malaysia Madani Scientists Forum at Universiti Malaya, Anwar emphasized that the new legislation would reduce government and ministry interference in university administration. He stressed the need for careful drafting in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry (KPT), university leadership, academic associations, and stakeholders to prevent legal gaps in institutional governance.

“This is not the 1970s anymore. We must implement drastic changes,” Anwar said. “I do not want the name ‘Universities Act’—instead, the Higher Education Act, aligned with our existing education transformation plan.” He added that the new act would not empower external parties to influence academic affairs, noting that it would inherently limit government or ministry control to grant universities greater autonomy.

The prime minister also addressed concerns about academic freedom for lecturers and researchers, stating that civil service regulations should not be used to suppress dissenting views or criticism of national policies, including the Malaysia Madani concept. However, he cautioned that academic freedom must be grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and intellectual discipline.

“Academic views should not be stifled by government regulations, provided they can defend their arguments scientifically,” Anwar said. “Do not make baseless claims without proper research. As long as they are based on academic reasoning, we will fully accommodate them.”

The AUKU, enacted in 1971, has long been criticized for restricting student activism and limiting institutional autonomy. The proposed Higher Education Act marks a significant shift in Malaysia’s higher education policy, aligning with broader efforts to modernize the sector.

Industry analysts suggest the reform could enhance Malaysia’s appeal as an education hub, attracting international students and researchers by fostering a more open academic environment. Local universities, particularly public institutions, may benefit from reduced bureaucratic oversight, potentially improving research output and institutional rankings.

Universiti Malaya, where Anwar made the announcement, is Malaysia’s oldest and highest-ranked university, and its leadership has previously advocated for policy changes to support academic freedom. The new act is expected to undergo extensive consultations before parliamentary tabling, with no immediate timeline provided for its implementation.

The move reflects growing pressure from academia and civil society for reforms in higher education governance. While the government has not disclosed specific provisions of the new act, the emphasis on reducing external interference suggests a departure from past restrictions on campus activities.

The announcement comes amid broader discussions on Malaysia’s education transformation plan, which aims to elevate the country’s standing in global education rankings. The Higher Education Act is expected to play a key role in this strategy by providing a legal framework that balances autonomy with accountability.

Details on the transition process, including the repeal timeline for AUKU and the drafting stages of the new act, remain unavailable. The government has yet to release further specifics on how the reforms will be enforced or monitored.

For now, stakeholders await further details as the proposal moves through the legislative process. The outcome could reshape Malaysia’s higher education landscape, influencing both domestic and international perceptions of the sector’s openness and competitiveness.