Malaysia to abolish AUKU, expand university autonomy and academic freedom
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) and replace it with a new framework that strengthens university autonomy and academic…
Source: Astro Awani · August 17, 2026 at 5:34 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 AUGUST 2026 —
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) and replace it with a new framework that strengthens university autonomy and academic freedom.
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Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Osman Bakar said the repeal creates an opportunity to build a progressive, fair and forward-looking legal framework. He said the framework should open wider space for student involvement and voices, strengthen academic freedom and allow universities to thrive as centres of knowledge, thought and research.
Osman welcomed the Higher Education Ministry’s pledge to draft the new law through inclusive consultations with university leaders, academics and students. He said the process is necessary to ensure the framework reflects the aspirations, realities and current needs of Malaysia’s higher education community.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Arham Abdullah said the new law would streamline university governance in asset management, facility use and revenue generation. Arham said autonomy within clear governance and accountability rules would help universities optimise existing assets and facilities to support income generation and improve student welfare.
Arham said suitable autonomy could also strengthen strategic partnerships with the private sector and industry, subject to approved financial and governance procedures. He said the approach ensures universities can explore new opportunities without compromising accountability, transparency or public interest.
Anwar said the government guarantees AUKU will be fully repealed without replacement laws that restrict student movements. AUKU, introduced in 1971, has been amended seven times, most recently in 2024 when disciplinary actions against public university students were transferred from vice-chancellors to a dedicated student discipline committee under Section 16B.
The move will reshape Malaysia’s higher education sector by giving institutions more flexibility to innovate and compete globally.