Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Universities Act replacement bill unlikely at next Parliament sitting
Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir has indicated that a proposed bill to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) is unlikely to be tabled at the forthcoming parliamentary session. The minister cited ongoing consultations with stakeholders as the reason for the delay.
LSN Malaysia ·
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said Tuesday that consultations with various parties, including a parliamentary select committee, are still underway regarding the new legislation intended to supersede the current AUKU framework.
The minister's comments suggest that the government is prioritising comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders before presenting the bill to lawmakers. The AUKU, which governs the establishment and administration of public universities in Malaysia, has long been viewed by academics and civil society groups as requiring modernisation to reflect contemporary higher education standards.
While the government has signalled its commitment to replacing the decades-old act, the extended consultation period reflects the complexity of the legislative undertaking and the need to address concerns from multiple quarters, including university administrators, student representatives, and parliamentary committees overseeing education policy.
No timeline has been announced for when the proposed legislation might be introduced to Parliament. The government has previously committed to reviewing the AUKU as part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia's higher education sector competitiveness.