PM Anwar vows full repeal of AUKU, no replacement laws curbing student freedom or movement

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) will be fully repealed without introducing any new laws that restrict or suppress student movements. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 4:12 PM MYT

MELAKA, Aug 16 — The government has given an assurance that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) will be fully repealed without introducing any new laws that restrict or suppress student movements.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that he himself would raise the matter at the Cabinet meeting.

“There are concerns that sometimes AUKU is repealed and a new law is introduced that also restricts them.

“I also do not agree with any amendment or replacement (law) that restricts or suppresses student activities,” said Anwar, who is also PKR president.

He said this when delivering his winding-up speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here today.

Elaborating, Anwar said existing legal provisions, including those relating to criminal offences, are sufficient to address any misconduct that may be committed by student groups.

He said that as citizens, students are subject to the general laws applicable to everyone if they commit an offence.

“Students are ordinary citizens. There are criminal laws and there are laws that apply to everyone.

“If they assault someone, if they cause injury, or if they cheat in an examination, the existing laws are sufficient (for punishment),” he said.

AUKU has previously undergone seven rounds of amendments since it was introduced in 1971, including amendments in 2012 that allowed students to participate in political party activities outside campus.

The latest amendments in 2024 to Section 16B saw disciplinary action against students at public universities no longer fall under the authority of the vice-chancellor, but instead be decided by the Student Disciplinary Committee.

In addition, amendments to Section 15A allow student representative councils and student bodies to raise funds and receive contributions in any manner, subject to the regulations and written laws currently in force. — Bernama