The Pertubuhan Profesor G70 (PPG70) has welcomed the Government’s decision to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), saying the move could help strengthen academic freedom and reposition universities as centres for ideas, innovation and nation-building.
PPG70 chairman Professor Emeritus Datuk Wan Ramli Wan Daud said the organisation also supported Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir’s statement that the abolition of AUKU had been outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035.
The Government is expected to follow up the abolition with a new and more comprehensive legal framework under the One Higher Education Act agenda, which is intended to better address the needs of higher education today and in the future.
PPG70 said the new framework should provide greater space for academics and students to engage in critical discourse, publish fact-based research findings and express their views without being constrained by excessive bureaucratic pressure or stringent disciplinary action.
The organisation also called for greater empowerment of student leaders, saying students should be given more opportunities to represent the voice of young Malaysians and engage proactively with current issues affecting society.
PPG70 also expressed its readiness to contribute its academic expertise and work closely with the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) in developing the proposed new legislation.
It said the new legal framework should be progressive, forward-looking and internationally competitive while reflecting the changing needs of Malaysia’s higher education sector.
PPG70 said it was confident that the abolition of AUKU would restore universities’ role as platforms for intellectual development, innovation and the development of a nation founded on integrity.
The Government’s decision to abolish AUKU was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 15.
