Govt mulls independent panel to oversee university autonomy

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering setting up an independent panel to review university decisions and operations under the proposed One Higher Education Act (OHEA), the Dewan Rakyat heard.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the mechanism was among the proposals being examined to strengthen checks and balances as universities were granted greater autonomy.

He said the proposed panel or council could review matters involving university administration, academic affairs and other aspects of institutional operations.

"We are examining whether an independent council or panel can be established to review decisions and the operations of autonomous universities, including academic affairs and other related matters," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun).

Adam Adli said the proposed OHEA would introduce new mechanisms to strengthen university autonomy, including in staff management, academic programmes and strategic collaborations.

He said the government was also considering special legal protection for academics that would extend beyond the conventional employer-employee relationship.

"Under the One Higher Education Act, we intend to provide a special status that protects academic freedom and the role of academics beyond the basic employer-employee relationship," he said.

He said the ministry was reviewing seven major laws governing higher education to determine how they could be aligned and harmonised under a new legal framework.

He said the proposed reforms were intended to strengthen university autonomy, academic freedom and students' rights.

The ministry would also continue consultations with students, academics, legal experts, MPs and other stakeholders to ensure the new legislation addressed concerns over university governance.

Responding to an original question from Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera), who sought assurances that repealing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) would not create legal gaps or uncertainty in university administration, Adam Adli said the repeal must be carried out in a planned and phased manner.

Ismail Sabri had also asked about the key principles underpinning the proposed OHEA.

Adam Adli said the government wanted to avoid replacing Auku with another law that imposed similar restrictions on students, universities and academic freedom.

He said that repealing Auku should not be viewed as an isolated measure but as part of a comprehensive overhaul of higher education laws.

Auku currently serves as a key legal framework for the establishment, administration and governance of public universities.

Of its 44 sections, 32 relate to university governance, including ministerial responsibilities, university boards and institutional constitutions, while seven concern students and disciplinary matters.

Adam Adli said the repeal must therefore be implemented carefully to prevent legal gaps that could disrupt university administration and operations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's intention to repeal Auku in August.

As an interim measure, the ministry suspended disciplinary proceedings involving freedom of expression, public criticism and peaceful assemblies at public universities from Aug 27.