Ministry Open to Reviewing AUKU After Student Protest Outside Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News — Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education has expressed openness to reviewing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) following a student protest held outside Parliament, calling for the law to be abolished.

The protest involved students from several universities who marched peacefully to submit a memorandum demanding the complete repeal of AUKU, which they argue restricts student freedom, political participation, and university autonomy. The demonstrators urged the government to replace the act with a more progressive, democratic, and inclusive legal framework for higher education.

Although the Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, was not present during the submission, the memorandum was received by Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim along with ministry officials and several Members of Parliament.

Speaking in Parliament later, Dr Zambry said the ministry is willing to listen to student voices and consider a review of AUKU, describing the act as a “dynamic law” that should evolve with current needs. He acknowledged that aspects related to student rights, freedom of expression, and university governance deserve renewed attention.

The minister added that the ministry is also reviewing the broader higher education ecosystem, including governance structures and the appointment process of university leadership, which are governed under AUKU.

While no decision has been made to abolish the act entirely, the ministry’s response signals a greater openness to dialogue and reform, as pressure continues to mount from student groups advocating for stronger academic freedom and institutional independence.