New ‘One Higher Education Act’, launched in January, to replace UUCA, Zambry confirms

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the repeal of UUCA will be accompanied by a new, more comprehensive higher education law to strengthen university autonomy, academic freedom and student voice. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 2:35 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 15 — A more comprehensive national higher education legislative framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) has been outlined under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

He said the effort was part of the agenda for establishing the One Higher Education Act, which was launched in January 2026.

Zambry said the Higher Education Ministry was taking into account the need to reform the national higher education legislative framework by drafting a new, more comprehensive act to replace UUCA.

“I take note of the Prime Minister’s announcement on the repeal of UUCA during his presidential policy speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress,” he said in a statement today.

Zambry said UUCA was more than legislation governing student affairs and freedom, as it provided the basis for the establishment, administration and governance of universities and university colleges.

“Therefore, its repeal must be accompanied by a new legal framework that is more comprehensive, progressive and aligned with the current and future needs of higher education,” he said.

He said the process would be carried out in an inclusive and comprehensive manner, taking into account the views of all stakeholders, including university leaders, academics, public and private higher education institutions, industry players, polytechnics, community colleges, TVET providers, legal experts and students.

According to Zambry, the move was aimed not just at repealing UUCA, but at establishing a more comprehensive and forward-looking higher education legislative framework that would strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and student voice, while preserving governance, accountability and excellence across higher education institutions.

He said the move was part of the higher education transformation under the RPTM 2026-2035 aimed at ensuring Malaysia’s higher education system remains relevant and dynamic amid changes in the global education landscape.

Earlier, Anwar said the government would repeal UUCA to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country.

He said the move followed a memorandum and views presented by student leaders calling for comprehensive changes to the Act. — Bernama