Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed that any replacement for the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) will not impede students’ freedom.
This follows cautious optimism about his announcement yesterday that the Act would be abolished in line with demands from youths.
"I will not agree to any amendments or replacement act that will restrict student activities," he said in his speech at the PKR congress in Malacca today.
Yesterday, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said a more comprehensive legislative framework for higher education, outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, would replace the UUCA.
He said the move is part of the agenda to establish a One Higher Education Act, launched in January 2026.
In its GE15 manifesto, Anwar's Pakatan Harapan pledged to repeal UUCA to give more autonomy to universities and higher education institutions.
However, BN ministers whom Anwar put in charge of the higher education portfolio have up till yesterday rebuffed calls for the abolishment.
It is not clear what has changed that Anwar can suddenly fulfil this long-delayed campaign promise.
Besides governing student activities and groups, the UUCA gives the minister in charge broad powers, including making important appointments like the vice-chancellor.
Critics argue that this law enables the appointment of vice-chancellors without regard to merit, thereby undermining the autonomy of universities.
Anwar, in his speech, also revealed that he plans to table a State-Owned Enterprise Act to standardise the administration of government-linked bodies like Tabung Haji and Felda.
He also revealed in his speech that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong called him this morning, urging him to also investigate all GLCs after a government probe into Felda is completed. - Mkini
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