PUTRAJAYA: The Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 will be repealed and subsequently replaced with a more comprehensive law.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this was in line with the government’s manifesto to uphold the authority and independence of public universities as well as institutes of higher learning.
“I hope the new law that will replace the AUKU will focus on improving the quality and excellence of the universities.
“This is to enable institutes of higher learning to respond to the ever-changing environment,” he said.
The prime minister said this when delivering his mandate and aspiration with members of the education community at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.
Dr Mahathir who is the acting education minister also expressed hope for the National Higher Education Council to be reactivated.
He said this would strengthen the governance system and harmonise the new higher education legislation.
In Dec 2018, the Dewan Rakyat had unanimously approved the amendments to the AUKU 1971 to enable students to involve in politics.
The amendment saw the abolishment of Section 15(2)(c) of AUKU which previously barred students from taking part in politics on campus.