DAP backs Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s plan to abolish AUKU, calling for wider reforms in education, the economy and cost of living, with Loke stressing the need for decisive implementation
PUTRAJAYA: DAP has thrown its full support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), while urging the government to extend its reform agenda to education, the economy and cost-of-living measures.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would give Anwar “100%” support for the proposed repeal, which he said had been a longstanding demand of DAP.
Loke said he had personally experienced restrictions under AUKU as a university student, describing the atmosphere on Malaysian campuses at the time as one of fear.
He said abolishing AUKU should be viewed as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at making Malaysia more democratic, transparent and free.
“AUKU is one component, but what is more important in education reform is to ensure equal access to higher education for all Malaysians, regardless of their racial background.
“No Malaysian should be denied the opportunity to pursue higher education because of their background.
“We need to value every Malaysian’s human capital. Every Malaysian who achieves the required academic results to enter university should be given a place in a public university.
“This should be the policy and spirit of the reforms that the Prime Minister is trying to bring forward,” Loke said in his speech at the national congress here today.
Loke said DAP would also support government measures aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing household incomes and easing the cost of living.
“Whatever proposal, formula or policy can help the people, DAP will support the Prime Minister,” he said.
However, he stressed that reforms would have to go beyond announcements, with decisive implementation by Anwar and the Cabinet being crucial.
“The most important thing is implementation and firm decisions that need to be made by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet,” he said.
Loke said the party’s position was ultimately guided by whether policies delivered positive change for Malaysians, regardless of the outcome of today’s congress decision on DAP’s role in the government.
He added that DAP would continue to support positive changes while offering advice to the government, saying the party’s priority was to ensure Malaysia continued to progress.
Anwar yesterday announced plans to abolish AUKU, fulfilling a longstanding Pakatan Harapan reform pledge and paving the way for a new legal framework governing public universities and students.
