THE Ministry of Higher Education has set out four foundational steps to construct a new legal framework for tertiary education under the One Higher Education Act initiative
The strategic move comes after the Cabinet agreed yesterday to establish a fresh legislative framework following the historic announcement that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, known as AUKU, will be repealed.
The ministry confirmed in an official statement that the first phase involves creating an Independent Committee charged with conducting comprehensive studies and presenting recommendations for the statutory reform.
The second phase will focus on extensive engagement across the entire higher education sector to gather critical feedback and insights from key stakeholders.
Following these consultations, the ministry will finalise the overarching policy and legal framework required to draft the upcoming Bill.
The final phase centers on formulating a transitional mechanism to guarantee uninterrupted governance and administrative operations across all higher education institutions while changes take effect.
According to the ministry, the unified act aligns with Initiative 5A.2 under the Fifth Surge of the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026–2035.
Officials stressed that the restructuring extends beyond a simple replacement of AUKU, serving instead to build a clearer, more responsive statutory framework tailored to present and future academic demands.
"This process will be carried out meticulously to ensure that the repeal of AUKU does not create a legal void or compromise the continuity of governance and operations of higher education institutions.
"The ultimate goal is to develop a stronger, more resilient, and forward-looking higher education legal framework that can fortify institutions, safeguard the interests of the entire higher education community, and provide greater space for autonomy, innovation, and the advancement of national higher education," the statement read. - August 21, 2026
