Academics to get special protected status under proposed UUCA replacement, says Adam Adli

Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim attends a sitting for the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament at the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur on November 4, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 11:54 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — There will be enhanced operational autonomy to higher education institutions under the proposed One Higher Education Act that would include dedicated status to safeguard academic freedom, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the new comprehensive legislation, which is set to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), aims to overhaul the current administrative and academic governance frameworks.

“Under the One Higher Education Act, institutions will be empowered with operational autonomy in key areas, including staff management, course and program offerings, and the establishment of strategic collaborations through a new mechanism designed to meet higher standards of academic freedom,” Adam Adli said during Question Time.

Protecting academic independence remains a core focus of the proposed law, he added.

“To ensure academic freedom, the One Higher Education Act will specifically establish a designated status protecting academics, ensuring their role extends beyond a basic employer-employee relationship,” the deputy minister said.

As part of these reforms, the government had said it is reviewing existing legislation that impacts university operations and academic staff.

Among these is the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act, which is currently one of seven acts being studied for potential inclusion or alignment under the proposed One Higher Education Act to address long-standing issues surrounding academic expression and governance.