KEPALA BATAS, Aug 22 — The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971 transcends the immediate interests of the student body, and requires a holistic review of the entire higher education legal framework before a replacement is drafted.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir explained that the review must be comprehensive because the UUCA serves as the primary legislation governing not only student conduct, but also the establishment, operation, and administration of universities, Bernama reported.
“The current UUCA has 44 sections covering aspects of university establishment, university governance, academic standing, academic staff, administrators and others, with seven of those 44 sections relating to students,” Zambry said.
He noted that while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has placed a particular emphasis on removing constraints faced by students, the government’s vision extends further.
The review will encompass the rights and freedoms of academic staff, the operational needs of administrators, and the broader requirements of institutional governance.
The goal is to introduce a new Act that serves as the definitive legal framework for the entire higher education ecosystem, designed to meet both current demands and future challenges.
To ensure a balanced approach, the government will utilise an independent committee to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the new framework before it is finalised.
This effort is a key pillar of the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, which outlines the transition toward a "One Higher Education Act," an initiative launched in January.
The move follows earlier assurances from the prime minister that the government would repeal the UUCA to expand the democratic space for students, a decision informed by memoranda and views submitted by student leaders advocating for systemic change.
