PUTRAJAYA (Oct 30): The Cabinet on Friday agreed to have the bill to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in December, said government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

The communications minister said that the decision was made after the Cabinet approved the Higher Education Ministry's proposal to execute two key measures aimed at granting students freedom of speech.

“First, to amend AUKU, specifically provisions in sections viewed as restricting students' freedom of speech and association; and second, to enact a brand-new act to fully replace AUKU within a reasonable time frame.

“Accordingly, the Cabinet agreed to allow Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir to table the AUKU amendment bill in Parliament this December. This is specifically to amend sections of AUKU that restrict student freedom,” he said.

He spoke at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting here on Friday.

Fahmi noted that the process of drafting a new act to fully replace AUKU will take some time for the Higher Education Ministry, as it requires thorough review across all aspects, particularly university registration, listing, and management.

“That will take some time because the Higher Education Ministry needs to consider several new aspects, possibly in terms of university administration,” he said.

In August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government would repeal AUKU entirely, with the relevant bill to be brought to Parliament this year for approval.

Anwar said the proposal to repeal the act aims to provide broader freedom and democratic space to student movements in the country, taking into account memorandums and views submitted by student leaders who advocated for comprehensive reform of the act.

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