Over the past 55 years, the higher education sector has changed rapidly, with tremendous developments, innovations and technological advancements.
PETALING JAYA: The upcoming abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) should pave the way for Malaysia to develop a more dynamic, flexible and inclusive higher education system that better reflects the needs of today’s rapidly changing society, an academic said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of Inclusive Development and Advancement Malaysia deputy director Dr Anuar Ahmad said Auku, which had been in place for more than five decades, was introduced in an environment vastly different from today’s technology-driven higher education landscape.
READ MORE: Pregnant woman gives up LRT seat to blind mother, learns life lesson
READ MORE: Ronaldo says ‘probably’ in last year of career: Vogue interview
He said retaining a framework designed in 1971 could hinder universities from responding quickly to technological, industrial and societal changes.
“I support and welcome the prime minister’s announcement to abolish Auku.
“Over the past 55 years, the higher education sector has changed rapidly, with tremendous developments, innovations and technological advancements.
“If we continue to operate within a framework designed more than 50 years ago, we may not be able to keep pace with these rapid changes.”
Anuar said the abolition should not be viewed merely as a political move, but as an opportunity to comprehensively review the country’s higher education framework, including university management, administration, autonomy, finances and collaboration with industry.
He added that greater university autonomy could enable institutions to respond more quickly to changes while strengthening their role as centres of knowledge.
“This gives us an opportunity to reassess the framework of higher education in our country, including university management, administration and autonomy, as well as our relationship with industry and how such collaboration can be strengthened.”
He also called for greater academic freedom and community engagement, adding that academics would conduct research that could benefit society if there were stronger avenues for knowledge-sharing and public participation.
Anuar said university courses should also become more dynamic to keep pace with rapid changes in industries and the workforce.
“Industries are changing rapidly, so we expect university courses to evolve more dynamically as well, in line with changes in society.”
On student activities, he said the relevance of provisions governing students should be reassessed, particularly given the major changes brought about by social media, technology and greater access to information.
He added that laws introduced 55 years ago should be reviewed to determine whether they remained suitable for the current environment.
“The issue is not simply about abolishing Auku to achieve academic freedom and protect student rights. We need to formulate a new law that involves all stakeholders.”
Anuar said any new higher education legislation should incorporate input from student leaders, academics, the community, industry, political leaders, private sector representatives and other stakeholders.
He said universities should not merely focus on producing graduates for the workforce, but should also develop responsible citizens who possess integrity and could contribute meaningfully to society.
“The structure of the new law must be geared towards developing human capital and citizens who can contribute to the country’s development, rather than simply producing workers and employees.”
Anuar acknowledged that some aspects of Auku, particularly those relating to university administration and institutional functions, could remain relevant.
However, he said the abolition presented an opportunity for the government and the higher education sector to determine which elements should be retained and which needed to be fundamentally restructured.
He added that the process of drafting a new legal framework should therefore be inclusive and take into account the views and needs of all stakeholders.
“This will ensure that the new law is inclusive, meets the needs of all stakeholders, protects their interests and ensures that everyone is treated fairly.”
Anuar added that such an approach would also be consistent with the government’s aspirations under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan to create a more inclusive higher education system involving industry, communities, leaders, students and parents.
