Higher Education Ministry begins steps towards repeal of UUCA, halts student disciplinary proceedings

Posters are seen at Universiti Malaya ahead of campus elections in Kuala Lumpur in this file picture dated June 17, 2022. — Picture by Choo Choy May

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 28 Aug 2026 9:27 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) is taking immediate steps to expand students’ freedom of expression and right to association, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU).

In a statement today, the ministry said Anwar had stressed during the 13th Malaysia Madani Scholars Forum that measures to give students greater freedom should be implemented immediately while a new legal framework is being developed, without waiting for the entire process of drafting a new law to be completed.

MOHE said it had reviewed measures that could be implemented under the existing legal framework to give effect to the prime minister’s directive.

It identified several provisions under AUKU and the Student Disciplinary Rules that restrict students’ freedom of expression and association for exemption from enforcement as immediate measures.

These include freedom in the management of student associations and clubs, management of student activities, as well as freedom of expression, assembly, use of communication platforms and the distribution and publication of documents.

“Accordingly, MOHE wishes to announce that all disciplinary proceedings relating to freedom of expression, the expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly at all public universities shall be stopped with immediate effect,” it said.

The ministry said such freedoms must be exercised alongside responsibility and respect for the rule of law.

“Acts involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offences, academic misconduct or breaches of legitimate disciplinary rules remain subject to the laws and regulations in force,” it said.

For the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which are not governed by AUKU, the ministry said it would conduct a similar review of their respective provisions relating to students to align them with the reforms being implemented under AUKU.

MOHE said it remained committed to developing an open, structured and inclusive higher education governance system through the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure a quality higher education ecosystem for the country’s future.

* UUCA is the acronym for the Malay name of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU).