UKM Ready To Provide Expertise In Formation Of One Higher Education Act - Sufian

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is ready to provide  academic and legal expertise in the consultation process for the formation of the One Higher Education Act, which will replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Act 30) (AUKU).

Its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the university welcomed the commitment of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to implement a new, more comprehensive and forward-looking legal framework.

“We are ready to contribute academic and legal expertise in an inclusive and comprehensive consultation process.

"UKM wants to be the main catalyst in discussions with various stakeholders, including university leadership, academics, industry partners and students.

"The involvement of various parties is important to ensure that the developed legal framework can meet current needs and take into account the diversity of institutions in the national higher education system," he said in a statement today.

According to Sufian, the aspects highlighted through the reform are also in line with the UKM TEKAD 57 Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which serves as the university's compass in preparing Malaysia for 100 years of Independence by 2057.

"This legislative reform step is aligned with the UKM TEKAD 57 Strategic Plan, especially in efforts to strengthen institutional autonomy, governance flexibility, the empowerment of ethical academic freedom, and the active participation of student leadership in the university ecosystem.

“UKM acts proactively to ensure that this legal transition becomes a catalyst for the development of human capital based on knowledge, values and innovation.

“This new framework will drive the university's capacity to tackle future challenges and elevate Malaysia's higher education to the pinnacle of international success," he said.

Additionally, UKM top management and the entire academic community are confident that the integration of the One Higher Education Act, with the aspirations of TEKAD 57, will strengthen the autonomy of the institution without neglecting accountability, good governance, and high-impact research excellence that is competitive on a global scale.

Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the government would abolish AUKU to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country, and this matter will be brought to the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Following the Prime Minister's announcement, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that a more comprehensive legal framework for the country's higher education, to replace AUKU, has been outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035.

-- BERNAMA