Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the legislation replacing AUKU must not restrict students and academics through alternative means.
KUALA LUMPUR: The legislation replacing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) must not impose restrictions on students and academics through other means, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the debate should move beyond whether AUKU should be retained or abolished, as the government had already decided to repeal it, and instead focus on the legal and governance framework that would replace the Act.
Zahid said universities should be given greater autonomy, accompanied by measurable accountability in areas such as learning quality, graduate mobility and research impact.
“Do not restrict students through other means. Do not restrict academics through other means either.
“That is why, at this convention, we are placing our trust in the higher education minister to translate these responsibilities and our collective hopes into action,” he said when closing the Malay Education Convention 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
Zahid, who is also UMNO president, said he had listened to the earlier discussion on AUKU and hoped its replacement would enable students to excel intellectually and professionally.
Drawing on his experience as a student activist, he urged students to participate more actively in decision-making and contribute fresh ideas.
“There is no need, nor is it necessary, to be on the streets or at Speakers’ Corner every week, or to hold marches wearing different-coloured shirts each week.
“However, I am confident that student leaders and students generally will develop more advanced thinking without AUKU restricting their thoughts and minds,” he said.
Zahid identified performance-based university autonomy as one of five missions he outlined for the Malay education agenda towards 2035.
He also called for the convention’s resolutions to be translated into an implementation framework with clear measures of success, rather than remaining on paper.
Earlier, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir presented a resolution calling for a comprehensive legal framework to replace AUKU through an orderly transition.
“The transition from AUKU to the new framework must be implemented systematically to expand university autonomy, academic freedom and the space for students to speak and organise without disrupting the continuity of university governance and operations,” he said.
Zambry said the replacement legislation should develop students’ intellect and character, with freedom accompanied by responsibility, proper conduct and accountability.
He said debate over AUKU had become almost toxic, with the legislation frequently viewed from only one perspective despite its role in governing the establishment of universities.
The resolution was among seven presented at the convention, which Zambry hoped Zahid would convey to the Cabinet for consideration in government policymaking.
Also present was UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
On Aug 20, Zambry said the ministry would establish an independent committee to examine the replacement legislation, alongside stakeholder consultations, a drafting group and a transitional mechanism to safeguard university operations.
The proposed framework has been referred to as the One Higher Education Act.
