Malaysia to amend University and University Colleges Act in December

The Malaysian Cabinet has approved a proposal from the Ministry of Higher Education to amend the University and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971. The amendment bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this December.

The primary objective of the amendment is to remove specific sections that are viewed as restricting students' freedoms of speech and association. This move serves as an interim measure to address immediate concerns regarding student rights.

Furthermore, the government has agreed to develop a completely new act to replace AUKU entirely. This comprehensive reform, which will cover aspects such as university registration, listing, and management, is expected to be completed by approximately 2027.