Repeal Of AUKU Gives Space To Build A More Mature Higher Education Ecosystem - UTM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) should not be seen as just the end of a law, but rather an opportunity to rebuild the country's higher education ecosystem that is more mature, inclusive and forward-looking.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the change needed to be supported by a legal framework that could nurture knowledge, intellectual courage and creativity in line with technological, economic and geopolitical changes.

He said UTM welcomed the aspirations of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to implement the transformation in a comprehensive and responsible manner.

“Today’s universities are not just places to impart knowledge, but also arenas for creating solutions, building ideas and developing citizens who are able to think independently and act ethically.

“Therefore, higher education legislation must evolve in line with changing times, without neglecting institutional stability and public interest,” he said in a statement.

Mohd Shafry said institutional autonomy should be the basis for the reform, with universities given sufficient space to determine academic priorities, strengthen research, develop talent and build strategic collaborations based on their respective strengths.

However, he said autonomy is not unlimited freedom, but rather needs to move in line with accountability, transparency, integrity and social responsibility.

Meanwhile, he said academic freedom needs to be strengthened as the heart of a credible university, with academics and students given space to explore difficult questions, present evidence-based views and disagree in a civilised manner.

“However, this freedom requires intellectual discipline. Arguments must be supported by facts, research must be ethical and discourse cannot be used as an excuse to spread extremist views or denigrate human dignity,” he said.

He said the new higher education legal framework also needs to recognise the diversity of institutions including universities, university colleges, technical-focused institutions and private education providers that have different mandates and challenges.

“The process of drafting a replacement framework must be consultative and evidence-based. The views of students, academics, administrators, alumni, industry, civil society and legal experts must be heard openly.

“The aim is not simply to change the name of an act, but to produce a regulation that is clearer, fairer and more resilient to future changes,” he said.

Mohd Shafry said UTM was prepared to contribute its expertise and work with the government and all stakeholders to ensure that the reform provides real benefits to students, institutions and the country.

According to him, the success of the abolition of AUKU should not be measured solely based on the date the act was repealed or new laws were passed, but rather through the ability of universities to be more courageous in seeking the truth, efficient in managing trust, open to celebrating differences and close to the needs of the people.

“This is an opportunity to build higher education that is not only competitive on the global stage, but also strong in its human values ​​in line with the aspirations of the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035,” he said.

On August 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had given an assurance that AUKU would be abolished to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in this country.

-- BERNAMA