KPT Assures Inclusive Drafting Of New Higher Education Act

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has assured that the drafting of a new higher education legal framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) is being conducted inclusively, regardless of the political leanings of student groups.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, said the ministry is committed to engaging all stakeholders, including student associations, academics, and leaders across the political spectrum, through consultation sessions.

He said the ministry had also held specific meetings with the Special Select Committee on Nation-Building, Education, and Human Resource Development, chaired by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota), to hear and coordinate various proposals and recommendations.

"Whether they support the government or not, including student groups representing parties within the student body, we are involving everyone.

"We aim to create a truly comprehensive new act by listening to all views, which we will then consolidate, align, and formulate in the best possible way to shape the future of the nation's higher education," he said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) on the stakeholders involved in the drafting process and assurances that students would remain free to criticise the government under the new legal framework.

On freedom of speech, Zambry said the ministry had taken immediate steps to freeze all disciplinary proceedings related to freedom of speech, expression of views, and peaceful assembly at all public universities.

He said the government was also harmonising various disciplinary regulations at the university level to prevent double standards or inconsistent restrictions from being imposed across campuses.

"We are considering every aspect of this harmonisation to ensure such issues do not arise. If serious matters occur, they will be subject directly to national laws rather than internal regulations that restrict student freedom," he said.

Responding to the original question from V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah), who sought an update on the new legislation, Zambry said the replacement for AUKU would be achieved through the creation of the One Higher Education Act (OHEA).

He said the proposed law would also harmonise related legislation, including the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act1996 and the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000.

-- BERNAMA