Abolition of UUCA will foster critical thinking in universities, says G25 civil society group

The group of prominent retired civil servants welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assurance that any replacement law would not restrict the rights and freedoms of university students, noting that youth empowerment had to begin in higher education. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 18 Aug 2026 10:58 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — The proposed abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) would foster a culture of independent and critical thinking within the country’s higher learning institutions, says civil society organisation G25 Malaysia.

The group of prominent retired civil servants welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assurance that any replacement law would not restrict the rights and freedoms of university students, noting that youth empowerment had to begin in higher education.

“Universities should be spaces where young Malaysians are encouraged to think critically, exchange ideas, question established views and participate responsibly in the affairs of the nation,” it said in a statement here yesterday.

G25 said the abolition of the outdated legal framework presented an important opportunity to establish a fundamentally different relationship between universities, students and the government, adding that any new law should be guided by the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the freedom of expression and association.

“We hope that the drafting process for any replacement legislation will be undertaken transparently and with extensive consultation with students, academics, university administrators, civil society and other stakeholders,” it said.

Meanwhile, G25 also welcomed the Prime Minister’s suggestion to introduce a new law to govern government-linked companies (GLCs), noting that these entities managed substantial public resources and played an important role in Malaysia’s economy.

The group said the proposed law should provide a clear definition of GLCs and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), as well as transparent and merit-based criteria for the appointment of chairpersons and directors.

It said the legislation also needed to include proper disclosure of appointments and qualifications, safeguards against political patronage and conflicts of interest, and clear standards governing the responsibilities and independence of boards.

“It should also strengthen transparency in procurement and related-party transactions, provide appropriate mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny, and ensure robust reporting, auditing and public disclosure of the use and performance of public assets, among others,” it said.

The group said the legislation also needed to include proper disclosure of appointments and qualifications, safeguards against political patronage and conflicts of interest, and clear standards governing the responsibilities and independence of boards.

“GLCs are meant to play a creative role in corporate development so that while they perform certain social responsibilities, their activities should add to the national wealth,” it said.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister gave an assurance that AUKU would be abolished to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country, and also suggested introducing a new law to govern GLCs. —Bernama