AUKU Should Be Retained As Pillar Of Governance, Empowering University Students

KUALA NERUS, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 should be retained as the primary legal framework that remains relevant in driving excellence in the nation’s higher education institutions.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the importance of retaining the AUKU is grounded in policy considerations that ensure stability and progress across the overall university ecosystem.

He said the AUKU has served as the main pillar for the establishment, maintenance, and administration of public universities in Malaysia since its enforcement in April 1971, with the Act’s dynamic nature proven through eight amendments, including improvements in governance and the management of student activities.

“The (Higher Education) Ministry’s readiness to continue reviewing and replacing provisions that are no longer relevant is proof that the Act is constantly being enhanced to safeguard academic freedom and meet the current needs of institutions,” he said in a statement today.

He was commenting on the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir’s firm stance that his ministry has no intention of abolishing the AUKU, noting instead that the Act has been improved on several occasions.

Zambry was reported as saying that the AUKU remains the main legal framework for the establishment, maintenance and administration of public universities, having undergone eight amendments covering various scopes, including enhancements in governance, activity management and student discipline.

Elaborating further, Mohd Izani said he agreed that improving specific provisions within the AUKU is the most appropriate step now as it ensures academic stability and campus security.

He said amendments to the AUKU over the years have helped universities achieve their educational objectives by providing students with space for freedom, thereby nurturing them to become mature, balanced, and harmonious individuals in line with the National Education Philosophy.

“The AUKU should now be viewed as a platform for shaping student leadership, rather than a mere instrument of restriction. Through the amendments that have been implemented, students are given wider space in freedom of association, strengthening the role of Student Representative Councils (SRC), as well as opportunities to independently manage student finances and contributions,” he also said.

In this regard, he added that UMT remained committed to ensuring that every space provided within the AUKU framework is fully utilised to produce knowledgeable, ethical, and professional graduates for the nation’s excellence.

-- BERNAMA