Anwar Ibrahim announces repeal of Universities and University Colleges Act 1971

AUKU repeal Anwar Ibrahim student autonomy Malaysian higher education campus democracy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the Malaysian government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). Speaking at the 2026 PKR Congress in Melaka, Anwar stated that while previous amendments had been made, students remained dissatisfied with certain provisions and sought greater freedom.

The announcement has drawn varied reactions. Academic figures and institutions, such as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), have welcomed the move as a necessary step for higher education reform and institutional autonomy. However, some educators and student leaders have cautioned that the repeal must be accompanied by a robust new governance framework. They argue that increased autonomy requires clear accountability and regulations to prevent campus instability or exploitation by external political interests.

Political opposition has also responded, with PAS leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari alleging that the decision is a political maneuver prompted by perceived threats to the Prime Minister's power. Meanwhile, student representatives from institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaya (UM) emphasized the need for a clear legal basis to manage university administration and student activities in the post-AUKU era.

Entities

Anwar Ibrahim · Malaysia · Melaka International Trade Centre · Ministry of Higher Education · PKR · Parti Keadilan Rakyat · People's Justice Party · Universiti Malaysia Terengganu · Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris · Universities and University Colleges Act 1971

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) welcomed the proposal, viewing it as a step toward higher education reform. www.kosmo.com.my
[○ 1 SOURCE] PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari claimed the repeal is a political move made only because Anwar Ibrahim's power is threatened. www.mynewshub.tv
[○ 1 SOURCE] The UTM Student Representative Council President emphasized the need for a new governance framework to ensure accountability alongside student autonomy. www.utusan.com.my
[○ 1 SOURCE] UiTM Senior Lecturer Mujibu Abd Muis stated the repeal should be viewed as an expansion of democracy rather than unlimited freedom. berita.rtm.gov.my
[● 5 SOURCES] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). berita.rtm.gov.my · www.mynewshub.tv · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · www.kosmo.com.my · www.utusan.com.my
[● 2 SOURCES] The decision follows dissatisfaction among students regarding previous amendments to the Act. www.mynewshub.tv · www.freemalaysiatoday.com

Sources

Pemansuhan AUKU: Buka ruang demokrasi kampus lebih matang [berita.rtm.gov.my]

6 days ago

"Janji Akan Dimansuhkan Apabila Sudah Terancam Kuasanya" - Fadhli Shaari [www.mynewshub.tv]

7 days ago

Govt to repeal Auku, says Anwar [www.freemalaysiatoday.com]

8 days ago

UMT sambut baik pemansuhan AUKU [www.kosmo.com.my]

6 days ago

Siswa mahu kerangka tatakelola baharu, elak tadbir urus terjejas [www.utusan.com.my]

6 days ago

Student autonomy must come with checks and balances, says VC [www.freemalaysiatoday.com]

6 days ago