PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- DAP has expressed full support for the government’s proposal to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971, said its secretary-general Anthony Loke.
He said DAP was not in government simply to hold office, but to contribute to the nation and bring about positive change through the reforms it has championed.
“Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that AUKU would be repealed. DAP fully supports the proposal, which the party has been fighting for decades.
“And not just AUKU, we suggest that the Prime Minister carry the same spirit forward to several more reforms that we have promised (including) ensuring equal higher education opportunities for all Malaysians regardless of racial background,” he said.
He said this when delivering his policy speech at the DAP 2026 National Conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here today.
Anwar, in his presidential policy speech at the PKR 2026 National Congress yesterday, announced that the government would repeal AUKU to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country.
The Prime Minister said the decision was made following a memorandum and views submitted by student leaders calling for comprehensive changes to the Act, adding that the proposal would be brought before the Cabinet next Wednesday.
AUKU has been amended seven times since its introduction in 1971, including in 2012 when students were allowed to participate in political party activities off campus.
The amendment to Section 16B of AUKU in 2024 saw disciplinary action against students at public universities no longer fall under the authority of vice-chancellors, but instead be decided by the Student Disciplinary Committee.
In addition, the amendment to Section 15A of AUKU allowed Student Representative Councils and student bodies to collect money and receive contributions in any manner, subject to the regulations and written laws in force.
-- BERNAMA