PETALING JAYA: The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) must be followed by a new and more comprehensive legislative framework to strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and the student voice, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The Higher Education Minister said the ministry had already considered renewing the country’s higher education legislative framework by drafting a new Act to replace Auku.

“I take note of the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the abolition of Auku during his presidential policy speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress.

“This process will certainly be carried out inclusively and comprehensively, taking into account the views of all stakeholders,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Aug 15).

He said the ministry's goal was not merely to repeal an Act, but to establish a more comprehensive and forward-looking higher education legislative framework that would strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and the student voice, while ensuring governance, accountability and excellence in higher education institutions.

“This is part of the transformation of the country’s higher education sector that we have embarked on through the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035, to ensure Malaysia’s higher education system remains relevant, dynamic and capable of responding to changes in the global education landscape,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar said that plans to abolish Auku will be brought to the Cabinet next week, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The abolition of the Act is part of PKR’s longstanding reform commitments.

Earlier this year, a group of student protesters called for Auku to be abolished by marching to Parliament to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.