KLANG, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The government is committed to abolishing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), with a new bill to replace it expected to be tabled in Parliament this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the matter was raised at the Cabinet meeting yesterday, to enable provisions relating to university management procedures and controls over students to be comprehensively reviewed.
"Yesterday, at the meeting, I said to abolish all existing provisions concerning university management procedures, university autonomy, the powers of deans, the powers of the Senate and the powers of the Board of Studies.
"Do not interfere with students. Am I confident that students will not make mistakes? I believe so. Does that mean they cannot be controlled? So I still believe, and insya-Allah, we will table the law this year and pass it in Parliament," he said in his speech at the Himpunan Anak Muda Antarabangsa (HAMKA) 2026 opening ceremony here today.
Anwar said the amendments should provide greater space for students to voice their views and participate in activities without being constrained by excessive legislation.
Anwar said young people aged 18 and above should be given full trust as they are considered adults and mature, including being given room to learn from their mistakes.
"No laws? There are laws, so educate and advise them. Mistakes will indeed happen (among them)," he said.
He said university leaders, including vice-chancellors, rectors and deans, should play a proactive role in addressing any issues that arise among students.
Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the new law replacing certain aspects of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) would focus on the administration and management of universities and university colleges.
Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the Prime Minister had informed the Cabinet of the matter, following his announcement last Sunday on the proposed abolition of AUKU.
"Yesterday, at the meeting, I said to abolish all existing provisions concerning university management procedures, university autonomy, the powers of deans, the powers of the Senate and the powers of the Board of Studies.
"Do not interfere with students. Am I confident that students will not make mistakes? I believe so. Does that mean they cannot be controlled? So I still believe, and insya-Allah, we will table the law this year and pass it in Parliament," he said in his speech at the Himpunan Anak Muda Antarabangsa (HAMKA) 2026 opening ceremony here today.
Anwar said the amendments should provide greater space for students to voice their views and participate in activities without being constrained by excessive legislation.
Anwar said young people aged 18 and above should be given full trust as they are considered adults and mature, including being given room to learn from their mistakes.
"No laws? There are laws, so educate and advise them. Mistakes will indeed happen (among them)," he said.
He said university leaders, including vice-chancellors, rectors and deans, should play a proactive role in addressing any issues that arise among students.
Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the new law replacing certain aspects of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) would focus on the administration and management of universities and university colleges.
Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the Prime Minister had informed the Cabinet of the matter, following his announcement last Sunday on the proposed abolition of AUKU.