KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) needs to be followed by the establishment of a high-level committee to examine a new legal framework that can ensure the governance and management of higher education institutions (HEIs) remain safeguarded.
Dr Anuar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said this step is important given that AUKU is not only related to student activities, but also encompasses the source of power for university establishment, management, administration, and the powers granted to the institutions concerned.
"The committee needs to examine all provisions of AUKU that have long been a subject of debate, including those related to student activities, to ensure that the repeal of the act does not disrupt the smooth operation of universities," he told Bernama here today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the government will abolish AUKU to grant greater freedom and democratic space to the student movement in the country, and the matter will be brought to the Cabinet next Wednesday.
In addition, he also views the abolition of AUKU as an opportunity to strengthen academic freedom by giving academics broader space to convey views to society based on facts, data, and empirical research.
He said constraints under AUKU previously caused some academics to be reluctant to engage in public discussions, whereas views based on research, data, and facts should be shared as they can broaden public understanding and contribute to national development.
"A dynamic and advanced society needs openness towards differing views, reprimands, and criticisms as long as they are based on facts, data, and accountable academic research," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Warfare Strategy Expert and Security and Political Analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin described the opening of the freedom of expression space for students as a beneficial transformation to enhance civilisation development and the leadership of the younger generation.
"It is good for them to speak out, good for them to maintain opinions, to debate... but the foundation of elements of national education and civilisation in the form of national education must be coordinated so that we do not stray from the nation's identity today and in the future," he said.
Noor Nirwandy said this freedom must be accompanied by a strong national understanding anchored on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara (National Principles) so that the openness brought about by the future abolition of AUKU does not create polarisation that could compromise national security.
"The aspiration to abolish AUKU must be aligned with aspirations regarding elements of nationhood and national unity in a true context because we do not want students or future leaders to create a new balance that differs from the country's true identity pattern," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Professor Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said any reform must be viewed comprehensively, not just focused on certain aspects, taking into account the entire higher education ecosystem and the role of universities in student, community, and national development.
He said UM is ready to provide cooperation and contribute views and expertise to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and all stakeholders in the engagement process and development of this new legal framework.
"More importantly, this reform must support the greater goal of producing knowledgeable students and society, who are mature in thinking, responsible in action, and capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of the university and the country.
"This is among the important bases in ensuring that higher education institutions continue to be respected, trusted, and capable of producing a generation that is esteemed at the national and global levels," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, former UM Student Representative Council (MPP) President Syaiful Asyraff Kamarudin said the abolition has the potential to make universities no longer merely 'factories' producing graduates, but platforms that enable students to think independently, challenge ideas, debate based on facts, and confront various differing viewpoints.
"Observing several series of amendments and drafting related to AUKU 1971, I see a transition from an act that originally leaned towards a government control approach, moving towards university autonomy and student empowerment.
"I am confident that the MADANI Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister has a plan and a replacement framework for AUKU to ensure university governance can be implemented with greater autonomy, while giving space to students through the MPP to play a more significant role in university governance, including towards the formation of a student government," he said.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) third-year Financial Economics student Nurul Husna Amanda Syukran, 23, said the abolition of AUKU has the potential to create a more open campus culture, but it must be followed by policies that guarantee student freedom responsibly.
For USM second-year Bachelor of Science (Geology) student Muhammad Irsyad Iman Muhammad Irwan, 22, he described the development as important in ensuring students are given broader freedom to think critically, organize, and get involved in issues related to society and national development.
-- BERNAMA